Empire Archives is a series printed every Saturday featuring a short compilation of headline stories in the Juneau Empire from archived editions in 1985, 1995 and 2005.
This week in 1985, more than 40 residents rallied to petition for the construction of a traffic light at the Egan Drive-Yandukin Drive intersection in front of the Fred Meyer store, arguing it would improve safety in the area. State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities officials, however, argued the stoplight would add another delay for Mendenhall Valley thruway traffic. Today there is still no traffic light at the intersection, and some officials and residents have called the intersection among the most dangerous in Juneau following numerous fatal crashes in recent years.
Original Story: “Residents want state to ‘go’ on traffic light” by Chuck Kleeschulte. 08/15/1985.
This week in 1995, the construction of Mount Roberts Tramway began with plans to have the high-rising tourist attraction complete by May 1996. At the time the project was estimated to cost $14 million (approximately $28 million today).
Original Story: “Tramway construction begins with few snags” by Lori Thomson. 08/15/1995.
This week in 2005, gasoline prices hit all-time highs in Juneau, with diesel prices even surpassing unleaded costs at some locations. Unleaded gas and diesel climbed about 20 cents in the span of three months, with a gallon of gas reaching $2.71 at Douglas Depot. Now, as of Thursday a gallon of gas at Douglas Depot was priced at $4.22.
Original Story: “Gas, diesel prices bust all records” by Andrew Petty. 08/17/2005.
• Questions or suggestions for the Empire Archives series? Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651)-528-1807.
