The Juneau City Assembly during its meeting on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

The Juneau City Assembly during its meeting on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

City puts brakes on planned roundabouts

Assembly decides not to sell land to DOT for proposed projects

The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly decided to put the brakes on plans by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to put in a series of roundabouts on Mendenhall Loop Road.

At their meeting Monday night, Assembly members were voting to authorize City Manager Rorie Watt to negotiate the sale of small parcels of city land DOT would need to complete its project.

After concerns were raised by Assembly member Wade Bryson over whether DOT’s plans were the correct decision, the Assembly voted not to allow Watt to negotiate the sale of all the parcels requested by the Department.

“Not a single resident I’ve spoken to is in favor of this plan,” Bryson said.

DOT has proposed building two roundabouts on Mendenhall Loop Road, one in front of Floyd Dryden Middle School and another at the intersection with Stephen Richards Memorial Drive.

DOT had originally planned to build a third at the intersection with Valley Boulevard, but according to the department website that part of the project has been delayed due to budget constraints. The Department has been planning the project since 2013.

When Bryson objected, the Assembly began to discuss what it would take to send the plan back to the planning phase. Watt said that it could go back to the relevant committees, but DOT would need to be involved as it was ultimately their plan.

An image showing the three proposed roundabouts on Mendenhall Loop Road. The roundabout at Valley Boulevard, bottom right, has been postponed due to budget constraints. (Courtesy Photo | Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)

An image showing the three proposed roundabouts on Mendenhall Loop Road. The roundabout at Valley Boulevard, bottom right, has been postponed due to budget constraints. (Courtesy Photo | Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)

Watt suggested the Assembly vote to approve beginning the negotiations to sell the land in order to keep the project moving forward, but to work with DOT to come up with a more acceptable plan.

[Roundabouts likely coming to Mendenhall Valley]

He cautioned that a “do-nothing” plan might result in DOT abandoning any improvement projects along the road and may not be the best course of action.

Assembly member Rob Edwardson was cautious of approving the sale, saying that doing so would effectively be a rubber stamp on the project.

“We’re not going to get to the 11th hour and then vote ‘no,’” Edwardson said.

He added that he was in favor of DOT’s plan, but he did find Bryson’s concerns valid.

The Assembly ultimately voted not to allow Watt to move ahead with the sale of the parcel of land DOT had requested near the intersection with Stephen Richards Drive.

The next item on the agenda was to make the same request for a parcel of land near Floyd Dryden Middle School, but considering the Assembly’s previous vote Watt said it seemed he needed to consult with DOT and withdrew the item.

The proposal to sell the parcels will now go back to the CBJ Lands Committee.

The Assembly voted to sell land to DOT for improvements to Glacier Highway in Lemon Creek, but not any of the parcels the department requested for improvements along Mendenhall Loop Road.


• Contact reporter Peter Segall at 523-2228 or psegall@juneauempire.com.


More in News

Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A pink peony blooms in Chris Urata’s garden on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Master Gardeners Tour showcases excellence in landscaping

Annual fundraising event features gardens on 11 properties

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, July 5, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, July 4, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Seven- and 8-year-olds compete in the watermelon-eating contest at Savviko Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Douglas picnic marks the beginning of 4th of July celebrations

Community members enjoy barbecue, watermelon eating contest

Shannon Crossley, who helped build the Treadwell disc golf course, wears the Douglas grand marshal’s sash as she rides in the parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
History of Douglas continues through Independence Day celebrations

Juneau Disc Golf Club honored as Douglas Fourth of July grand marshal

Juneau Ati-Atihan marches towards downtown Juneau in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade. The group was named best of parade. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
Independence Day parade soars through downtown

Candy took flight at this year’s downtown Juneau parade, ‘Juneau’s Winged Heroes’

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, July 3, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read