Crosswalk Proposed at Talkeetna Library

Talkeetna residents can look forward to a new crossing in front of the Public Library. 

Borough Public Works Engineer Mike Campfield says they are exploring three concepts to pursue funding for a crossing. One option will only include the pathway connection across the ditch to the road shoulder. Another would include the connection plus signing and striping. The third option would also include a pathway connection on library property.   

The community made it clear that the path connection across the ditch to the road shoulder was the most important component to the crossing. 

The Borough will need to get approval from the State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or D-O-T,  as they own the Spur Road and right-of-way. The D-O-T has expressed support for the project, with the Borough taking on the funding and maintenance of the crossing.

Borough Senior Planner Kelsey Anderson says that the crossing was added after the final public comment period on the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan. She says the crossing is well-aligned with the overall intent of the Plan, where safety and connectivity are the primary focus.  

Campfield says the community will likely explore funding opportunities once the scenarios are evaluated. The schedule will depend on that process. 

This article was amended 11.13.23 to correct Mike Campfield’s title.