Anchorage to Consider Change to Transportation Paradigm

The municipal governing body for Anchorage, Alaska agreed to consider a change in its transportation priorities over the next 20 years. Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions, the municipal planning organization, is currently in the process of finalizing a 20 year plan for automobile, transit, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

KTUU Channel 2 reporter Matt Leseman writes of the assembly meeting:

"Ultimately, we spend more money building roads in this city than on all other building," said Assembly Vice-chair John Weddleton.

The city has previously focused, partially by state and federal mandate, on reducing traffic in the most popular areas. Many assembly members and speakers Tuesday argued in favor of changing that.

“Building to minimize peak period delays results in overbuilding,” said Assembly Member Meg Zalatel, quoting a previous comment on the plan. “I truly believe it’s time for a new paradigm.”

Part of the reason for the shift is concerns over the effects of prioritizing automobile traffic.