Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
02/28/2023 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Non-motorized Transportation and Vulnerable Road Users by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 28, 2023
1:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator James Kaufman, Chair
Senator David Wilson, Vice Chair
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Robert Myers
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION AND VULNERABLE ROAD
USERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
-HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
SHANNON MCCARTHY, Communications Director
Commissioner's Office
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered the presentation, Non-Motorized
Transportation and Vulnerable Road Users.
SCOTT THOMAS, P.E. Traffic and Safety Engineer
Central Region
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the
presentation, "Non-Motorized Transportation and Vulnerable Road
Users
KIRK WARREN, Maintenance Chief
Central Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the
presentation, "Non-Motorized Transportation and Vulnerable Road
Users.
MATT WALKER, P.E. Traffic and Safety Engineer
Central Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the
presentation, "Non-Motorized Transportation and Vulnerable Road
Users.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:31:07 PM
CHAIR JAMES KAUFMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wilson, Tobin, Kiehl, Myers and Chair
Kaufman.
^PRESENTATION: NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION AND VULNERABLE ROAD
USERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
PRESENTATION: NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION AND VULNERABLE ROAD
USERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
1:32:10 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN announced the consideration of a presentation
titled Non-Motorized Transportation and Vulnerable Road Users by
the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
1:32:50 PM
SHANNON MCCARTHY, Communications Director, Commissioners
Office, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOTPF), Anchorage, Alaska, introduced herself.
SCOTT THOMAS, P.E. Traffic and Safety Engineer, Central Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
Anchorage, Alaska, introduced himself.
1:33:54 PM
MS. MCCARTHY began the presentation with slide 2, "Safety is a
Core DOT&PF Value." She informed the committee that she would
discuss fatalities in a dispassionate way, however the
department acknowledges the incredible impact of losing a loved
one.
Integrity: Doing the right thing even when no one is
watching. Doing what you say you are going to do
Excellence: Commitment to continually improve
Respect: Positive regard for customers, stakeholders,
investors and colleagues
Safety: Commitment to safeguarding transportation
systems and users while promoting a safety culture in
the workplace
1:34:44 PM
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 3, "Non-Motorized and vulnerable
user update: 2023."
Tracking Trends: Fatalities have increased in 2021,
2022
Review Results: Alaska's Safety Plan 2023 5-year
Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) wrapping up
Improve Outcomes: Highway Safety Improvement Plan
(HSIP) projects annually (data driven)
Renewed Focus & New Funding
Eligibilities: Eliminate deaths and serious injuries
statewide
1:36:27 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about the target to reduce fatalities versus
eliminate them. She wondered if the department strives for a
particular goal.
MS. MCCARTHY highlighted the nationwide goal of zero deaths. She
remarked about the Knik Goose Bay designation as a highway
safety corridor. The designation led to years without
fatalities. She stated that factors like education, enforcement
and engineering affect the safety of roadways.
MR. THOMAS responded to Senator Tobins question by citing
examples in the state Strategic Highway Safety Plan. He believed
that certain interventions would move the state toward the goal
of zero deaths.
1:38:30 PM
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 4: "Problem: Pedestrians are Over-
Represented in Alaska Fatality Counts." She stated that fatal
crashes in Alaska involve more pedestrians than other states.
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 5, "Problem: Different Crash
Types Require Different Solutions." She highlighted the five
year count of serious injury crashes shown on the slide. The
department strives to reduce the number of pedestrian and other
vulnerable road user deaths.
1:40:17 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked about off road vehicle and motorcycle
crashes. He wondered if the crashes always involved another
vehicle.
MR. THOMAS responded that the off road vehicle and motorcycle
crashes may be single vehicle crashes.
SENATOR KIEHL asked about the general classification of crashes.
He wondered about criteria used to assign a crash to a
classification.
1:41:13 PM
MR. THOMAS replied that the motorcyclist or pedestrian involved
takes priority when assigning a crash classification. He
explained that the angle classification relates to vehicle-to-
vehicle crashes. He mentioned that a rear-end collision
involving a motorist and a bicycle would be classified as a
bicyclist crash.
1:42:03 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked who collects the crash data.
MR. THOMAS replied that the report is populated by both police
and citizen reports.
1:42:38 PM
MR. THOMAS continued with slide 6, "Pedestrian injury crash
factors in Alaska." He stressed that the crash factors increase
in dark months. Visibility is one of the top factors, as
displayed by increases in pedestrian crash data in the winter.
He added that rain, snow and ice along with low light and
commuter hours contribute to the increases. The highest conflict
period is seen between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. during commute
hours.
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked how moose impact the crash data.
MR. THOMAS replied that winter moose collisions are also
darkness and commute-hour problems.
1:44:27 PM
MR. THOMAS continued with slide 7, Pedestrian Crash Data.
Reported Crash Data
• ~160 crashes per year
• 3 out of 4 are in Anchorage
• 85 percent injury
• 1 in 4 are serious or fatal
• 1 in 5 of all statewide fatal crashes
• Trend: total crashes declining while
• fatalities increase again
• Increasing fatalities past 5 years
SENATOR TOBIN requested a state map categorizing fatalities by
district. She guessed that fatalities happened in the downtown
corridors.
MR. THOMAS replied that he will describe the corridor risks in
more detail later in the presentation. He moved to slide 8,
"Bicyclist Crashes."
Reported Crashes
• ~120 crashes/year
• 3 out of 4 are in Anchorage
• 85 percent injury
• 1 in 10 are serious or fatal (no
• change)
• 1 in 100 of all statewide fatal
• crashes
• Trend: total crashes declining
• while fatalities increase again
• Mostly at side streets, driveways
1:47:21 PM
SENATOR MYERS observed that total crashes are declining while
fatalities are increasing. He asked about the trend.
MS. MCCARTHY hypothesized that pedestrian and bicycle travel is
increasing, which leads to increases in fatalities. She observed
trends in higher rates of speed, which may also contribute to
the increases.
MR. THOMAS added that work schedules have changed since the
pandemic. He agreed that higher speeds may contribute to the
increase in fatalities.
1:48:48 PM
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 9, "Motorcyclist Crashes."
Reported Crashes
• ~115 crashes/year
• Half are in Anchorage
• 85 percent injury
• 1 in 3 are serious or fatal
• 1 in 10 of all statewide fatal crashes
• Mostly uncontrolled intersections (side street
STOPs, driveways)
Some factors:
Skid resistance
Visibility
Safety gear
Safety training
1:49:59 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked the percentage of motorcyclist crashes that
are deemed the fault of the motorcyclist.
MR. THOMAS responded that he would search the database for
causality rates.
CHAIR KAUFMAN referenced a study about motorcycles and a report
called The Hurt Report. The reports analysis displays various
high-risk areas for motorcycle travel. The report also provides
safety suggestions for motorcyclists.
1:52:09 PM
MR. THOMAS added that the department researched striped
crosswalks and skid resistance. He noted department efforts to
work with infrastructure and foster safe driving conditions.
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 10, "Challenges."
Extreme winter conditions
Pedestrian movements increasing
Lack of snow storage areas results in snow on
pedestrian facilities
Slower-moving equipment contributes to delays is
sidewalk clearing
Durable infrastructure needed to withstand climate
1:55:33 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about winter maintenance for protected
walkways or bike lanes.
MS. MCCARTHY deferred the question to the maintenance chief from
the Central Region.
1:56:12 PM
KIRK WARREN, Maintenance Chief, Central Region, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Anchorage, Alaska,
responded that snow removal planning accounts for separated bike
paths, protected bike paths and sidewalks.
SENATOR TOBIN requested further information about the community
efforts for more protected bike lanes. She requested additional
strategies to separate pedestrians and other non-motorized users
from high-speed traffic lanes.
1:57:47 PM
MR. WARREN offered to respond to the committee about the safety
issue.
1:58:20 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked about roads with bike lanes. He assumed
that snow was moved into the bike lane to spare the sidewalk for
pedestrian use. He opined that plowing snow into the bike lane
was safer than pushing it onto a sidewalk and forcing people to
walk in the road.
1:59:36 PM
MR. WARREN replied that the state occasionally uses half lanes
to store snow. The department utilizes high-speed plows making
it more difficult to slow down. He opined that roads are cleared
before sidewalks. He cited state spending at $7500 per lane mile
for roadway maintenance. He opined that the service level could
improve with the right equipment, which comes at a cost.
SENATOR WILSON asked for the definition of a high-speed plow. He
wondered if the plows are traveling faster than the speed limit.
MR. WARREN replied that the department uses high-speed plows and
those drivers adhere to the speed limit. The lower-speed plows
are used and maintained by municipalities on roads that have
lower speed limits. He mentioned that half lanes are sometimes
used to store snow.
2:01:57 PM
SENATOR WILSON commented on snow removal in communities like
Juneau.
CHAIR KAUFMAN commented on the challenge of the interfaces. He
asked if the City and Borough of Juneau or the state was
responsible for maintaining the sidewalks in the municipality.
He wondered about road versus sidewalk maintenance.
MS. MCCARTHY replied that when the state owns the road, they own
the sidewalk. When a road is deemed Priority 1, the accompanying
sidewalk is included. She agreed that sidewalk clearing is often
much slower. She worked with the municipality of Anchorage
through a transfer of responsibility agreement providing the
public with consistent and reliable service.
2:04:27 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN wondered if virtual medians make it easier to
plow. He asked if the department shifted to designs that enable
easier snow removal.
MS. MCCARTHY stated that the department is mindful of
maintenance impacts during the design process. The maintenance
experts collaborate with the designers to establish plans and
simplify maintenance.
MR. THOMAS added that medians are designed as a safety
treatment. Medians complicate work for snowplow drivers, but
they also provide snow storage areas. Depressed medians are used
in the Wasilla Lake area because of snow drifting.
2:07:09 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about clearing snow on sidewalks. She
observed that people were walking in the Anchorage roadways when
the sidewalks were covered with piles of ice and snow. She
wondered how sidewalk maintenance is prioritized.
2:07:53 PM
MS. MCCARTHY reported that she also witnesses pedestrians on the
Anchorage roadways. She communicates regularly with the Central
Region about the need for additional sidewalk maintenance and
snow removal. She credited the snow removal backlog with the
departments higher vacancy rate and the need for a snow haul in
the Anchorage area.
2:08:39 PM
MR. WARREN echoed his colleague's comments. He agreed that the
confluence of the back-to-back snow storms, ice and windstorms
made it difficult to clear the roadways. He stated that the
roadways are generally cleared before the sidewalks.
SENATOR TOBIN understood that the department lost 340 positions
over the recent years. She felt concerned about the effect of
the vacancies on state road maintenance.
2:10:12 PM
SENATOR WILSON appreciated the department and the road
conditions in his district. He asked if contractual services are
utilized for road maintenance and snow removal. He wondered if
the contractual services are in the departments budget request.
MS. MCCARTHY responded that the department did contract with
private entities during emergency situations. She remarked that
the contract option was far more expensive than the department
operating its own equipment with state employees. The favored
option is to swap maintenance areas with municipalities.
SENATOR WILSON expressed concern that the necessary positions
will remain vacant until next winter. He expected the
administration to submit a budget request to address the
recruitment and retention issue. He argued that the lives of
people are important, and the maintenance vacancies might lead
to safety risks.
2:12:59 PM
MS. MCCARTHY replied that qualified operators are also lacking
in the private sector.
2:13:21 PM
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 11, "Solutions: Multiple Agency,
Partnership Approach."
EMS - Emergency lifesaving:
Best equipment, training
EGINEERING - Build forgiving roads:
All modes, less conflict
ENFORCEMENT - Presence: Encourage better Behavior
EDUCATION - Educate about all "E"s:
All angles, community conversation, awareness
EVERYONE Discuss: Drive, walk, and bike safely,
reasonably
2:15:18 PM
SENATOR KIEHL suggested further conversation about winter
maintenance and engineering opportunities.
MR. THOMAS replied that engineering requirements include snow
storage in the design process. Planning documents typically
include an option for a buffer for snow storage. He spoke about
the differences in snowplow blades. The state and municipality
swaps take advantage of the variety of snowplow blades and uses.
2:17:33 PM
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 12, "Challenge: Solutions."
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) partnership
with Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) for Bike
Interchange Steese & Graehl Park
Created connection between Steese pathway and park
DOT&PF addressed drainage plaguing the parks
FNSB maintained park amenities including some in state
right of way
Result: more orderly parking, improved bicycle and
pedestrian access to the park and downtown Fairbanks
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 13, "Challenge: Solution."
Crosswalks and traffic calming during summer - by the
City with DOTPF agreement
Partnership with City of Homer
Seasonal low speed zone extension tied to vulnerable
road user congestion
2:19:38 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN commented on the idea of traffic calming. He
pointed to the notions of constricting or restricting traffic.
He asked about repurposing traffic lanes as parking areas to
alter the flow of traffic.
MR. THOMAS replied that temporary measures make sense when there
are more pedestrians on the street. He mentioned a partnership
with the City of Homer that shifts the summertime maintenance
responsibility to the city. Permanent traffic calming measures
exist on roads with less conflict.
2:22:14 PM
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 14, "Challenge: Solution."
Girdwood: Alyeska Highway at Hightower Avenue
pedestrian crossing
Community-driven solution by the Girdwood Board of
Supervisors, Municipal of Anchorage, with DOT&PF
partnership
Seasonal pedestrian traffic control tied to
vulnerable road user congestion
2:23:49 PM
MS. MCCARTHY moved to slide 15, "Challenge: Solutions." She
explained that the picture illustrates pedestrians walking on a
median dividing a six-lane highway, which is deemed high risk.
2:24:58 PM
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 16, "Challenge: Solutions."
She explained the two pictures on the slide involving a six-lane
highway and a pedestrian walkway. The after photo displays the
solution involving a more sophisticated overcrossing built in
2020.
MR. THOMAS added that the cost difference between the older
construction in 2005 and the 2020 upgrade was approximately $25
million.
SENATOR KIEHL asked how to travel from one side of the Glenn
Highway to the other in Anchorage.
2:26:07 PM
MR. THOMAS informed the committee that the bridge displayed on
slide 16 crosses the Glenn Highway. The overpass shown is a city
street in Anchorage. Pedestrians walk with signals up to a
school and market without walking on the lower, high-speed road.
SENATOR KIEHL asked if the sidewalks are cleared on the
overpass.
MR. THOMAS replied yes, the sidewalks are cleared. Several
designs involve work with the local municipality. He pointed to
interventions shown in the picture on the left, which resulted
from five deaths in the last decade.
2:27:29 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked about other projects with a pedestrian
overpass solution. He mentioned an equation calculating the
number of fatalities that occur before a project is prioritized.
MS. MCCARTHY responded that roadways are analyzed regularly by
the department. Trends are identified through analysis. The
analysis provides crash and fatality data. The trends allow the
department to prioritize projects that may prevent serious
problems before they develop.
MR. THOMAS added that the non-motorized collisions are often
serious and fatal. All crash history is screened to target
incidents. The department studies the crash sites in an effort
to create safer roadways. He mentioned various pedestrian
crossings in Anchorage and the goal for zero fatalities. He
stressed that the department wants projects that help prevent
pedestrians crossing large, high-speed roadways. He spoke about
community collaboration and the development of safe routes to
school. The communities communicate to the department about
preferences for pedestrian traffic flow. The community feedback
enables the department to adequately design the crossings. When
crossings are designed without community participation, the
projects might be more expensive than necessary.
SENATOR KIEHL asked about the history of the collaborative
approach with communities. He appreciated the ability to meld
local input with the department planning process.
MR. THOMAS asked if Senator Kiehl referred to working together
or planning a network.
SENATOR KIEHL asked about collaborative efforts planning a
network and seeking feedback about best pedestrian traffic flow.
MR. THOMAS recalled a department decision in 1995 to consider
non-motorized users with every project. He mentioned a time when
the department could not fund all the non-motorized facilities.
Many engineering standards say that based on the motor vehicle
data, we do not need shoulders, but now shoulders are considered
with every project. He remarked that community collaboration
started in the early 1990s. The Strategic Highway Safety Plan
unifies the collaborative efforts.
2:32:53 PM
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 17, "Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Update."
Comprehensive 5-year transportation safety plan
Coordinated with other State safety plans including:
• Highway Safety Improvement Program
• Highway Safety Plan (HSP)
• Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Plan (CMVSP)
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP)
• Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
Updated plan expected May 2023
Will incorporate the Safe System Approach
Focus Area Teams meet three times annually to
implement Emphasis Area Action Plans
2:34:12 PM
MR. THOMAS continued with slide 18, "SHSP Emphasis and Focus
Areas." He spoke about the four categories of focus including
safe vehicles, safe roads and safe speeds, safe road users, and
post-crash care. He stated that safety must be prioritized
across all categories.
SENATOR TOBIN asked about the Highway Safety Improvement Program
(HSIP) and traffic calming. She queried community access to
traffic calming resources for high fatality corridors. She
wondered if areas in Anchorage might carry more risk and benefit
from the resource.
MR. THOMAS offered to provide attritional data following the
hearing. He stated that Muldoon is one of the top corridors
screened in Anchorage.
2:36:16 PM
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 19, "Alaska Statewide Active
Transportation Plan (ASATP).
Improve safety
Increase agency-user coordination and progress
measures
Promote healthy lifestyles
Develop a safer and more efficient active
transportation network and infrastructure to encourage
walking and bicycling
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked how the is ASATP progressing.
MS. MACCARTHY replied the program was updated in 2019 and the
department has new opportunities. She acknowledged that there is
more to do.
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked for a projected timeline for ASATP.
2:37:54 PM
MATT WALKER, P.E. Traffic and Safety Engineer, Central Region,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF),
Anchorage, Alaska responded that ASATP does not require an
update. He pointed to progress with action steps listed in the
plan. He stated that prior to the 2019 update, the plan was not
updated for 20-25 years. He added that the department utilizes
the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO) bike guide in the departments highway
preconstruction manual. The AASHTO pedestrian guide is a recent
publication that will be included in the manual following
completion of the Complete Streets policy.
CHAIR KAUFMAN remarked that the department incorporated federal
requirements as needed rather than establishing a central plan
update.
MR. WALKER concurred with the remark.
2:40:14 PM
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 20, "Alaska Statewide Active
Transportation Plan Policy and Procedure Lead Role."
DOT&PF is moving to modernize policies:
• Complete Streets Policy and Implementation
Strategy
• Policy and Procedure, Manual Updates
• Track Federal Funding
• Data Collection
SENATOR TOBIN appreciated the Complete Streets policies. She
asked about context sensitivity solutions process terminology
and how it is related to Complete Streets.
MR. THOMAS explained that the municipalities have context
sensitive solutions processes and checklists. He added that the
terms change, but serving non-motorized users continues to be a
department priority.
2:41:59 PM
MS. MCCARTHY continued with slide 21, "Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA)."
ADA issue if insufficient width to navigate the
sidewalk
Solution: Gambell Street utility undergrounding (to
begin 2024/2025)
DOT&PF's ADA Transition plan identifies methods for
system screening, inventorying, and prioritizing
barriers to accessibility
o DOT&PF ADA Transition Plan is currently
being updated
Each DOT&PF region has an ADA Improvement Project for
small projects focused on fixing ADA deficiencies
2:44:05 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked how the department widens streets in
Southeast Alaska where the mountains and ocean limit available
land for expansion.
MS. MCCARTHY agreed that Alaskan environments pose challenges.
The department arrives at creative solutions with communities.
She cited an example where the state required the right-of-way
to underground utilities. The solution modernized lighting for
safety purposes and the utilities were run under the highway.
2:45:42 PM
SENATOR KIEHL noted that the department is dedicated to meeting
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and deserves
praise.
SENATOR TOBIN wished to continue correspondence about the issue.
She hoped to ensure that people continue to have access to
facilities during times of construction.
2:46:38 PM
MS. MCCARTHY talked about slide 22, "Raised and Leading
Crosswalks."
Raised crosswalks:
• Several on local roads in Anchorage
• Option on case-by-case basis
• Maintenance challenges
• Could have targeted use in conjunction with local
planning
Other crossing solutions possible based
on traffic speed, volumes, walking age,
and demand.
Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI):
• LPI signal timing
• Option on a case-by-case basis
• Best used at intersections with heavy pedestrian
volume & heavy vehicle turning
• Hasn't been implemented yet in Alaska
2:47:52 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked if leading pedestrian interval means that
pedestrians are released before the traffic.
MS. MCCARTHY replied in the affirmative.
SENATOR MYERS queried the reasoning behind the delay. He stated
that cars slide through intersections in the winter and the
delay might make the problem worse.
MS. MCCARTHY agreed that the use of any proposed treatment must
be carefully considered. She added that driver behavior is an
important consideration. She wondered if another solution might
involve a separate right-turn lane to allow better communication
between the pedestrian and the driver.
2:48:59 PM
SENATOR WILSON discussed the time delay and the drivers
inability to visualize and plan for the delay. He agreed with
Senator Myers that leading pedestrian intervals might not be the
best option for safety.
MR. THOMAS agreed that the intervention must be used on a case
by case basis.
2:50:07 PM
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 23, "Safety: Where do we take our next
steps." He remarked that the department safety efforts are not
limited to pedestrians and bicycles. Other unshielded users
include all terrain vehicles.
2:50:45 PM
MR. THOMAS continued with slide 24, "Next Priorities: Strategic,
Accountable Process." He stated that the department is most
effective when a project has ample community support. The slide
depicts the process and mirrors the implementation of safety
corridors and suggests a plan to address urban issues.
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 25, "Continue making all urban roads
and walkways faster." The slide depicts a municipal example of
winter problems and solutions.
MR. THOMAS continued with slide 26, Continue making all urban
roads and walkways faster. The slide depicts an example of the
preliminary work on planning a slow-speed network. The planning
enables optimal crosswalk placement. He stated that most
communities have a community-driven map or priority for walking
and biking, which leads to additional crossings and traffic
devices.
SENATOR MYERS asked about the use of speed humps to slow
traffic. He asked if the department moved away from the use of
speed humps.
2:52:47 PM
MR. THOMAS agreed that speed humps can restrict speed to 20
mile-per-hour range. He remarked that the Anchorage municipality
had the best protocol manual for lower to intermediate speed
roads. The state tends to manage 45 mile-per-hour and higher
speed roads. The state did not utilize speed humps regularly.
2:53:28 PM
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 27, "Continue making urban arterials
safer." He pointed out that new Light Emitting Diode (LED)
lighting was installed on the same high-crash roadway.
SENATOR WILSON asked if the state or municipality pay for
streetlights.
MR. THOMAS responded that the state had existing lighting
covered by the state. The new LED technology allows for twice as
much light for the same cost to the state.
SENATOR WILSON wondered about the Knik Goose Bay (KGB) road
project and who pays the utility bill for the additional
lighting.
2:54:55 PM
MS. MCCARTHY replied that the conversion to LED lighting lowers
the electricity bills considerably. She noted that the state
swapped the borough for utilities on the KGB road.
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked if the LED design changed to prevent icing
issues at lower temperatures.
MR. THOMAS replied that the issue was brand specific. He
mentioned LED streetlights that failed within months on the
Kenai Peninsula.
2:55:50 PM
MR. THOMAS moved to slide 28, "Continue making urban
intersections safer." The slide displayed a high conflict
intersection in Anchorage; it was C St. and Dimond Blvd Road
where the state constructed a median refuge. The example shows a
combination of a median refuge and islands around a large
intersection. The islands shrink the crosswalk distances,
allowing pedestrians to cross the road faster. Surveys of the
intersection show higher yielding rates.
CHAIR KAUFMAN agreed that the intersection depicted was large by
Alaskan standards.
2:56:59 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked about the medians as they relate to crossing
the road.
MR. THOMAS explained that some intersections utilize signals to
divide a large roadway. The department provides adequate timing
with a slower walking speed of 3.5 feet per second to get from
island to island. He pointed out that additional construction
time is allocated for each corner. The design provides refuge
and visibility allowing vehicle drivers to better visualize
pedestrians.
CHAIR KAUFMAN added that snow removal is complicated if a
crosswalk is divided by a raised median.
2:58:06 PM
SENATOR TOBIN shared that she utilizes the intersection depicted
on slide 28 for her bicycle commute. She appreciated the safety
additions as they saved her life.
2:58:33 PM
MS. MCCARTHY continued that congestion in rural areas can also
increase safety risks. She pointed to the picture on slide 29
and observed the person walking on the sidewalk, traffic moving
and two children on bicycles looking for an opportunity to cross
the road. With more congestion comes more conflicts, leading the
department to design projects on a case-by-case basis.
2:59:31 PM
MR. THOMAS offered to condense the remaining three slides of the
presentation.
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked the department to conclude the presentation.
He asked committee members to submit additional questions about
the presentation to his office and he would seek follow up from
the department.
MR. THOMAS concluded the presentation with the serious problems
with pedestrian crashes listed in slides 30-31. He highlighted
slide 30, Pedestrian crash factors in Alaska.
30 percent of fatal crashes are hit and run
20 percent of crashes, alcohol is suspected
30 percent of crashes are at signals
20 percent of crashes are at side streets with stop
signs
50 percent of crashes are crossing midblock
50 percent of crashes are on arterials half on state
roads, half on local roads
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked about slide 30 and the challenges involved
in snow removal. He sympathized with constituents who suffer
from the snow removal challenges. He supported the department
efforts and he hoped to work together to improve road safety.
SENATOR MYERS wondered about vulnerable road users and school
zones. He recognized that most school zones are located in
municipalities but wondered about those in rural areas on state
roadways.
CHAIR KAUFMAN replied that he would add school zones to the list
of topics for future consideration.
3:02:28 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kaufman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 3:02 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2.28 DOTPF Non-Motorized Transportation and Vulnerable Road Users.pdf |
STRA 2/28/2023 1:30:00 PM |
|
| DOTPF Nonmotorized Follow Up Answers to Questions 3.20.23.pdf |
STRA 2/28/2023 1:30:00 PM |
Follow Up |
| DOTPF Nonmotorized Follow Up - AnchorageHSIPmap 3.20.23.pdf |
STRA 2/28/2023 1:30:00 PM |
Follow Up |