Talkeetna Residents Want Reduced Speeds

Talkeetna residents have expressed concern about speed on the Parks Highway near the Spur Road. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or DOT, has not identified that area as problematic.

According to DOT Central Region Administrative Operations Manager Justin Shelby, a formal resolution from the Talkeetna Community Council will help get the intersection on the list for review. Shelby says that resolution would trigger a formal traffic study.

DOT Central Region Acting Traffic and Safety Engineer Orion (OH-ry-an) LeCroy says there is a backlog for traffic studies because two of the six positions that handle them are vacant. 

LeCroy says the study includes a speed limit evaluation and various other factors like number of driveways, pedestrian activity, and surrounding use of the area. Spot speed data would be collected during dry conditions to determine vehicle pacing. 

LeCroy says it would take about one to two years to complete the study and there is no guarantee that it would indicate a need for speed reduction in that area. He says some communities hire their own engineering consultant to conduct the speed study and submit it to DOT for review. 

The DOT does screen intersections without traffic signals for improvement priority, but the Talkeetna Spur has not risen to that level. LeCroy says the team continually monitors and as conditions change with increased crashes or conflicts, the Spur may be considered for inclusion.