Traffic

A sign with newly installed reflectors warns drivers on Back Loop Road about pedestrians crossing near the entrance of Mendenhall River Community School on Wednesday morning. A woman and two kids were hit by a vehicle on the road Dec. 7, prompting local school district officials to seek safety improvements from the state. Additional short- and long-term safety measures are still being discussed. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Back Loop Road near school where pedestrians hit gets some safety improvements, more being discussed

Sign reflectors installed, upgraded entrance lighting and change to city bus route expected soon.

 

Police and fire officials respond to an injury accident at the Fred Meyer intersection on Saturday, Dec. 23. Limited safety improvements at the intersection scheduled for completion by Oct. 31 have not been finished due to supply chain and other issues, according to a state transportation department spokesperson. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Safety upgrades at Fred Meyer intersection still awaiting completion two months after due date

Supply chain issues hamper speed limit signs, weather delays work on turn lanes, according to DOT.

 

A school bus on Back Loop Road prepares to turn into the entrance to Mendenhall River Community School shortly before classes start on Wednesday morning. Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser on Tuesday said he is asking state transportation officials to consider street lights and/or other safety improvements on the road following a collision last Thursday between a vehicle and three people walking to the school. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

School district asks state for safety improvements on Back Loop Road near school following collision

Superintendent says DOT safety engineer will discuss lights, crosswalk at local meeting in January.

 

Jerry Millsaps, who is visually impaired, and Autumn Booths, who teaches local students who are visually impaired, discuss a proposed new roundabout on Mendenhall Loop Road near Millsaps’ house during at open house about the project Wednesday evening at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library. Millsaps said he is concerned because he cannot safely cross the street where two other roundabouts already exist, and the new one will create the same problem unless a pedestrian signal with audio and visual cues is installed. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Sounding concerns about proposed new roundabout on Mendenhall Loop Road

Difficulties for visually impaired pedestrians, side street traffic raised at open house meeting.

Jerry Millsaps, who is visually impaired, and Autumn Booths, who teaches local students who are visually impaired, discuss a proposed new roundabout on Mendenhall Loop Road near Millsaps’ house during at open house about the project Wednesday evening at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library. Millsaps said he is concerned because he cannot safely cross the street where two other roundabouts already exist, and the new one will create the same problem unless a pedestrian signal with audio and visual cues is installed. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A police vehicle blocks the left turn lane from Egan Drive into Yandukin Drive on Saturday after a two-vehicle collision killed one person and seriously injured four others. Changes intended to improve drivers’ line of sight when making left turns on both sides of Egan Drive are scheduled to be complete by October. But state officials said Monday more significant changes recommended in a 2021 study, including a traffic signal and an alternative detour lane, are still on hold and will likely take a long time to get through the regulatory process. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Limited safety changes planned soon at Fred Meyer intersection

Traffic light and detour route not part of upcoming work as fatal crash revives call for action

A police vehicle blocks the left turn lane from Egan Drive into Yandukin Drive on Saturday after a two-vehicle collision killed one person and seriously injured four others. Changes intended to improve drivers’ line of sight when making left turns on both sides of Egan Drive are scheduled to be complete by October. But state officials said Monday more significant changes recommended in a 2021 study, including a traffic signal and an alternative detour lane, are still on hold and will likely take a long time to get through the regulatory process. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
There will be substantial disruptions to traffic on Tongass Boulevard for the next week as a reconstruction project takes place. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Tongass Boulevard traffic pattern shifted all week

Some intersections are closed and others limited as construction moves forward.

There will be substantial disruptions to traffic on Tongass Boulevard for the next week as a reconstruction project takes place. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire With the spring thaw, the Alaska Department of Transportation resumes work on Egan Drive on Friday.

No buses, no problem: DOT gets started with construction season on quiet streets

Work is coming to downtown, Lemon Creek, and the Valley.

Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire With the spring thaw, the Alaska Department of Transportation resumes work on Egan Drive on Friday.
Traffic at Riverside and Stephen Richards drives backs up past Gee Street the morning of Feb. 8, 2019. There is a plan to alleviate traffic at the congestion-prone intersection. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Mendenhall Valley residents could find their morning commutes getting better

Lights, traffic, action.

Traffic at Riverside and Stephen Richards drives backs up past Gee Street the morning of Feb. 8, 2019. There is a plan to alleviate traffic at the congestion-prone intersection. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

New traffic system signals smoother driving

If you haven’t noticed it, it’s working. In October, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities installed a new traffic management system to reduce… Continue reading