A lower speed limit of 45 mph is in effect as of Friday along a section of Egan Drive near Fred Meyer in an attempt to reduce collisions at that intersection — and the number of traffic stops by Juneau Police Department officers by afternoon didn’t appear to be out of line with the norm, according to a department spokesperson.
The reduced speed limit of 45 mph instead of 55 mph is in effect until Jan. 31 from Sunny Point south of the intersection to the Mendenhall Loop Road intersection to the north, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
“This change is one part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of serious accidents, especially with darker winter conditions,” a DOT statement published Friday notes.
The lower speed limit is based on historical crash data showing the highest amounts of accidents at the intersection occur from November to January. DOT has also installed flashing radar feedback signs notifying drivers of their speed — or simply to “slow down” if they’re exceeding 55 mph.
Erann Kalwara, a JPD spokesperson, said she wasn’t aware of an unusual number of traffic citations or warnings, or of extra patrol vehicles along the affected stretch of Egan on Friday.
The speed limit reduction is scheduled to go into effect this fall, according to DOT. The decision comes from historical crash data showing the highest amounts of accidents occur from November to January at the intersection, with the lower speed offering more reaction time.
A series of upgrades are planned or have already been made where Egan intersects with Yandukin Drive. DOT earlier this year altered the turn lanes on Egan Drive to improve drivers’ line-of-sight and reduce the distance needed to cross the road to clear oncoming traffic. A traffic signal and a pedestrian crossing across Egan Drive are also planned.
Not included are more extensive changes recommended by state officials three years ago — primarily extending the road behind Fred Meyer to provide an alternative access route a short distance northward to what’s known as the McNugget Intersection.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
A map shows the area on Egan Drive when a lower speed limit of 45 mph is in effect until Jan. 31, 2025. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)
