| 169 |
1st
Comment: No traffic lights please! 2nd Comment: The true cost of a high
capacity "interchange" between Dowling and Bragaw has not been
evaluated or presented by anybody to date. The present plan whereby we
say "we don't have the money to build a high capacity interchange"
is not accurate when all near term project costs are considered. There
are the following cost scenarios to evaluate:1. Build no connection whatsoever
to Dowling at this time, then add an intersection or interchange later
under under Dowling project. Abbott Loopwould require major upgrade to
increase capacity to 20,000 cars because it will not be connected to Dowling
to allow bulk of traffic to go to Dowling as it should.2. Build some sort
of low capacity connection to Dowling now, then redo that at undetermined
futre time when it is funded for a better connection.Abbott Loop would
still require major upgrade until Dowling is properly connected.3. Build
a high capacity "interchange" connection to Dowling now, and
only provide minor permanent upgrades to Abbott Loop for capacity increase
to 5,000 cars.The cost to do a high capacity "interchange" as
I suggested will depend largely on how well the designer takes advantage
of the four lanes on Bragaw that are already going to be elevated where
they exit the southern end of the new swamp crossing bridge that seems
to be in all the alternatives shown for Bragaw to date.A good design would
capitalize on the above grade elevation created by the Bragaw swamp bridge
for use in designing the necessary Abbott Loop ramps for a high capacity
"interchange".A large waste of capital funds will be realized
over time if all four lanes from the Bragaw swamp bridge are simply brought
back to grade and dumped into a traffic light or other low capacity intersection
for Dowling-Abbott Loop.So cost is a tricky subject. Basically spend a
lot to build & rebuild later, or spend it now to build it right. Supposedly
Dowling already has or will have money in the chute for the near future
anyway?Anything less than a full evaluation of the Dowling-Bragaw-Abbott
Loop connection will be a long term travesty to east Anchorage transportation
and public safety along Abbott Loop road.I personally feel that all this
money would be better spent on upgrading the existing New Seward-Glenn
Highway alignments as part of long term plan for a true expressway all
the way through town. This is what we need, the EAST document confirms
this need. It will only get harder and more expensive as time goes on.If
the Knik bridge is built it will be essential to provide a north-south
expressway that serves downtown. Otherwise the Knik bridge will cause
hopeless grid lock in downtown Anchorage. A real favor for the city would
be to take any and all Knik bridge money and use it to upgrade the Glenn-New
Seward to get rid of the traffic lights along the existing alignment.
I have previously provided a detailed suggestion for how to do this in
an Anchorage Daily News "Compass" arcticle.Our endless propensity
to build development projects rather than core infrastructre projects
will do nothing but add to the state budget problemsas we build more things
we don't really need that will cost a bunch of money to maintain and operate...............3rd
Comment: 1. Design the Bragaw extension to be connected to Dowling with
NO TRAFFIC light at junction of Bragaw and Dowling. Suggest building an
appropriate horizontal 90 degree curve to connect Bragaw to Dowling. The
Dowling portion could be dead ended until funded for completion of the
missing portion to reach Dowling. 2-lane on/off ramps (preferably without
traffic lights) should be should be used for connection to Abbott Loop.
The EAST study clearly shows that most traffic will ultimately travel
to/from Dowling not to/from Abbott Loop. Building a high capacity connection
between Bragaw & Dowling without a traffic light will make a long
term difference in traffic flow another traffic light will just extend
gridlock. 2. There are 3 vertical curves that do not have adequate stopping-sight
distance on Abbott Loop. The worst one is just north of the entrance to
the new baseball field parking lot thereby creating a major safety hazard.
These curves must be regraded to safely handle the increased traffic.
3. Most traffic that comes south on Abbott Loop will turn west on Abbott
and head back towards Lake Otis. The Abbott/Abbott Loop traffic light
will become backed up during rush hour. People will therefore try to short
cut around this light by taking Jupiter Drive through Zodiak Manor. Speed
bumps may be needed on Jupiter Drive to reduce speed of increased cut
through traffic on Jupiter Drive. |
| 170 |
Please
please extend Abbott Loop. It is essential for the safety of Hillside
residents! Police Fire and Paramedics need a short route to serve the
residents of southeast Anchorage! Those that are concerned about their
kids who play in traffic should supervise and keep their kids off of the
streets!!! |
| 171 |
We
live just off Abbott Loop Rd and when we moved here this was a rural setting
Abbott Loop Road was still a dirt road and this was a quiet neighborhood.
I am against the Abbott Loop extension because of the increased traffic/noise
it will bring and the loss of wetlands and wildlife habitat. |
| 172 |
Id
like to say that I'm all for the extension. Anchorage is needing this
badly. It is an essential need for the city. I'm all for beauty and animals
too but I think safety is more important. I just hope this does not get
blown away from all the naturalist. I mean you can't walk to work if you
live at one end of the city and work at the other. The city should really
look into connecting those highways (Glenn & Seward.) That would help
out a lot also. |
| 173 |
I
am concerned about several issues . 1) increased noise . 2) A safety/noise
reduction barrier between my property and Abbott Loop Rd. My back yard
faces Abbott Loop Rd . The only thing that separates my property from
the traffic is a thin cedar fence . 3) Will there be 2 lanes or 4 lanes.
4) Will there be a redlight at the intersection of 72nd and Abbott Loop
? |
| 174 |
I
concur this project needs to proceed. However I wish it to proceed with
careful controls. I prefer the speed limit be kept low in order to reduce
danger to wildlife. As far as lighting I prefer lighting that is directed
toward the ground without upward overflow that causes light polution.
I think the road should be kept away from trails when possible. I do not
see a need to the proposed 48th street extention especially as it runs
right along a trail and Bragaw as it exists works perfectly well for traffic
coming in and out of the police station or animal control. |
| 175 |
1st
Comment: I believe this is a needed project and support build Alt. E.
Following the existing section line/ power lines will have the least negative
impacts and minimize the clearing of forest/wetlands.2nd Comment: After
reviewing the proposed alternatives at the meeting last evening, two parameters
were very obvious to me;1) Project funding is inadequate for the improvements
as currently envisioned.2) Abbott Loop Road and the surrounding community
as currently configured is not capable of absorbing four lanes of traffic.Given
the above I believe ADOT&PF should consider a 2-lane alternative with
ROW acquisition and utility relocations for a future additional two lanes. |
| 176 |
Build
the Abbott Loop extension- whichever option proves to be the best and
within budget if possible. |
| 177 |
I
have no fear this will be a grand avenue by the time you get everyone's
wishes included. Build it and get it done- many people would benefit from
not traveling through Lake Otis and Tudor. I would love it to get to Alaska
Club- friend in east Anchorage and out to the valley- Amen. |
| 178 |
This
project is many years overdue. All the alternatives (except A) are acceptable
to me- please choose the one that's most economical and makes the most
sense from an engineering standpoint. You have gone above and beyond duty
in seeking public involvement- now it's time to build. I live in Geneva
Woods and feel like a prisoner in my neighborhood because it is so difficult
to get out, with all the extreme traffic congestion that surrounds us. |
| 179 |
1st
statement: I support alternative B as most cost effective.2nd statement:
This project is 20 years overdue. It is the only viable option to reduce
the traffic nightmare at Lake Otis and Tudor in the near future.It will
also reduce air polution in Anchorage by reducing the number of vehicles
back up at Lake Otis and Tudor. |
| 180 |
We
have talked about this extension for years. We need the road now, especially
to cut down on the need for hillside traffic to go to Lake Otis so as
to get to Eagle River or Muldoon. Make it a 4 lane road. |
| 181 |
1.
I am in favor of the project. But Abbott Loop must be improved to accommodate
the increased traffic volume. Please ensure traffic from westbound Jupiter
Dr. to southbound Abbott Loop can turn during AM and PM peaks with a minimum
of LOS C. 2. Ensure left turn movements onto and off of Abbott Loop will
function adequately between Abbott and 68th. 3. Add a pathway from Jupiter
to 68th, especially adjacent the baseball fields. |
| 182 |
Great
project! Needed for past 20 years. The University area, with 2 colleges,
2 major hospitals, API, Lake Otis grade school- all generate at least
80,000 trips in and an equal number out- each day. Many of these commuters-
teachers, students, security persons, medical staff, patients, visitors-
come from south Anchorage and have no choice but to transit thru Lake
Otis and Tudor. This project will relieve the pressure and greatly cut
the time and frusteration we all experience each day.We've passed some
$37.5 million in bond approval! Now let's get on with it and do this improvement! |
| 183 |
Connecting
Bragaw Street to Abbott Loop and on to O'Malley RoadWe believe this road
connection must be completed as soon as possible for a number of reasons.
The two that top the list are safety and health. This last week our city
almost exceeded the hazardist air quality level. Every day vehicles backup
for several blocks on Seward Highway, Lake Otis and Tudor Road that greatly
increase pollution in the area. Because of the large increase in population
in the Hillside area, there needs to be a north/south corridor east of
Lake Otis to help carry the heavy traffic and cut down the pollution.Fire
danger is great on the Hillside several times each year. In the California
fires last year, heavy smoke for miles was another big danger and could
be here. If we had to evacuate to the north going Lake Otis and Seward
Highway, can you imagine the lives that could be lost with these over
crowded intersections. Opening Bragaw would offer a needed avenue of escape
from the Hillside.All the hospitals and a large portion of the medical
facilities in Anchorage are on or east of Lake Otis. In an emergency Bragaw
would offer another very needed route to hospitals and medical care.We
have lived on O'Malley for more than 30 years. When we moved here, we
could get on cross country skis out our door, ski through the woods and
see only a couple houses. Traffic on O'Malley was very light. We didn't
have close neighbors on either side. Now, O'Malley Road is a major highway
and there is little vacant land in the area. We all have to give up something
we like, for the benefit and safety of us all. Are we going to build this
very needed Bragaw corridor that would improve the air quality and safety
or wait until there is some disaster? |
| 184 |
Just
build it. Do not dilly dalley. We have waited to long. |
| 185 |
Why
build more, near a school, near a neighborhood where kids are use to walking
on trails. It's like putting a highway 6 feet from a cuddle sac. How exactly
is this going to actually affect the families, properties, noise with
to the families trying to have peace, able to sleep, able to have safety.
How will it affect our property values??Why can't we go for Option A-
why give that as an option if that's not really an option?Can we do option
D if that least affects E. 68th? Plus extend it more to East (road is
farther to the East) away from the homes. I know BLM said no, please try. |
| 186 |
Suggest
revising the Purpose and Need statement to say you are meeting the legislative
mandate. The Purpose and Need statement presented in the January 5, 2004
meeting should not be used. |
| 187 |
Well
water |
| 188 |
I
support alternative A. I am impressed with the process and the project
management. As currently proposed the project will not meet the purpose
and need. It will dead end into Abbott Road which is already jammed at
peak traffic hours. If the project were to connect with Dowling Road it
would make more sense. My next preference is Alternative E. I like land
scooping and trails associated with the design. I support buying HLB lands
as mitigation for wetlands fills. I am concerned that the proposed moose
and fish studies may not be scientifically sound. If the project runs
over budget, build the Tudor to Dowling section. I am also concerned about
cross drainage throughout the project. The culverts an the 3 little Campbell
branches need to be replaced to provide fish passage. Maintain dog trails
undercrossings under highway. |
| 189 |
I
have a lot of concerns over the building and extension of this road. The
most invasive alternative being a 4-lane road with a median. My concerns
for the increased traffic and noise that most certainly would occur, as
well as, the negative impact to the wildlife and environment. I have lived
in the area for over 13 years and daily drive Abbott Loop Road. I have
deep concerns over the safety issues for the many children that live in
the area should traffic counts quadruple as you have indicated will happen.
I do not wish to live next to a road that would turn into another Lake
Otis Parkway. Other than the option of "no build", the only
other option I find acceptable is Alternative D. |
| 190 |
1.
Bonds should have included a provision for matching funds. 2. This project
must be coordinated with following projects:- Dowling Road extension-
Abbott Loop completion between Abbott and O'Malley- Upgrade Abbott Road
to 3 or 4 lanes from Lake Otis to Birch.Dumping All the Tudor traffic
without these improvements is simply moving a problem, not solving it. |
| 191 |
If
Bragaw-Abbott Loop is to be done the City and State must help with the
problem with winter road grit that will be dumped onto all trails that
cross under roadway. All roadside multi-use trails must be 100+ feet from
roadway to keep road grit from winter plowing from being dumped on trails.
This problem needs help from user groups who now do most of the trail
work- dog mushing club, Nordic Ski Club, etc.East 48th should not "T"
into Tudor Road! If 48th is to e done it must go out to Boniface Parkway
and should be a low speed road.Dowling Road needs to be part of this project
from the start if we wish to releaf Tudor Road traffic volumes. If we
build Bragaw-Abbott Loop Road within the park it must have trails with
grade separate crossing for all user groups- dog team, multi use ski -
a paved bike trail from Tudor to Abbott Road is a must!Pedestrian crossing
some grade separated along Abbott Loop Road for pedestrians living on
the west side of road to get into park. |
| 192 |
My
main concern is increased noise as I live right on Abbott Loop Rd. We
enjoy living in this quiet area of town and hope to keep it that way as
long as possible. I hope a lot of thought is given concerning this issue.
Also, the drainage in this area is already very poor. Will there be improvements
to this as well? Finally, I feel that the sooner Dowling Road is connected
to the Bragaw Extension the better. Maybe someone needs to re-think this
and push this part of the project thru sooner. Thank you. |
| 193 |
As
a XC skier, skijorer and long time dog musher I am most concerned about
the dollars earmarked for trail improvement, access, aesthetic and trail
preservation. I am told that AB71(?) is trying to decrease the 15% that
is dedicated to making this project something that would make Anchorage
proud of….Maintaining the traditional uses, as well as making this
project a beautification (is it possible to make a 4 lane beautiful),
user friendly and have a conscience for the people who live in Anchorage.Just
as we have a Native Heritage Center we need an "Alaskan Dog Mushing
Center" - a log building with a café and the historical information
for tourist and the residents of Anchorage to learn and appreciate the
importance of the Alaskan state sport. Preserve dog mushing and make Anchorage
a unique and special place to live/visit. |
| 194 |
We
live on the NW corner of Lore and Abbott Loop- we have a circular driveway
hence 2 entrances on Abbott Loop. Will we be allowed to have the 2 driveways?
What will the lighting be from 64th to Abbott Road? We do not want an
excess of streetlights! Please do not use all the funds on the north end
of the project! From 64th to Abbott there are no shoulders: no bike paths:
no walkways. These are really needed considering the increase of population
in that area ex: White Hawk and related subdivisions. With the Ball Fields
and Community Park being developed it is essential that the entrance to
these have adequate safety features built into this project. |
| 195 |
My
first preference is Option B! Second is C. I think it is imperative that
the Dowling extension and the 48th extension be developed to optimize
the Abbott Loop extension. I believe that emphasis on trails and bike
lanes as part of the road are important. Also, better lighting on existing
Abbott Loop and Abbott are important. |
| 196 |
Provide
safe access across Abbott Loop Road to the trail system for our horse
boarders.Keep as much of the tree screen in the right of way along the
fence line from Lore Road to 80th as possible.Keep the creek flow crossing
Abbott Loop from BLM and Bi-Cent. Land unchanged so it will not change
what we enjoy on our property from the creek and wildlife that use it.If
using trees to "landscape" after the road is done, use native
trees such as birches and willows, instead of the little evergreen trees
that were planted just north of the Abbott Road intersection when the
water line was installed.Since we are, I believe, the largest private
property holder along the three-mile proposed route, please come and talk
to us.Street lights- one at the corner of Lore and Abbott Loop. Please
none between Lore and 80th. The whole three miles does not need to be
illuminated. |
| 197 |
As
a resident of this area for 14 years, I have several areas of concern:
1) land on N side of E 64th is retained as untouched park land, as per
HLB 2) Eminent domain: how many homes are you going to take out, especially
those at the corner of E 68th, 67th and Abbott Road 3) what will this
do to widening E. 64th (which will none of us want) 4) nature habitat
of wildlife. We have an abundand amount of rabbits and tons of moose not
to mention a dozen other wildlife whose habitat and "homes"
will be destroyed forever! 5) How will this affect conventing concerns
for those of us who live in trailers here on E. 64th on privately owned
land. Will we eventually be forced to move our mobile homes out and build
standard housing as per MOA any new rules and regulations?If past construction
in any city is any indicator of what is to come, this road will be a monumental
destruction of our natural habitat and peaceful way of living in the city
of Anchorage.A great many of us feel that these comments are worthless.
That MOA, Federal and DOWL will simply go ahead and do what they want
anyway.I don't think that even 1 out of 1,000 of you guys have even hiked
or biked or even walked these trails. Do you know where the beaver dams
are or where they relocated 2 yrs. Ago? Do you know about "the fort"
or the numerous trails that obscurely lead into this nature habitat? ….
Yet you all want to come in here and ram this road down our front yards
and throats and we simply have to accept it. At the very least, we all
are requesting that as much as possible of the wetlands and natural habitat
be left undisturbed, as that is why the majority of us live in Alaska
(and not in California): to enjoy its beauty! |
| 198 |
We
are very concerned about a noisy, high traffic high-speed corridor next
to our house. We live next to Abbott Loop and are considering selling
now. The noise, lights, dust and general disruption to all homeowners
is certainly not worth saving a few minutes commute time. Were there other
options considered, such as redesigning the intersection at L.O. and Tudor,
or extending Boniface, so northbound traffic would have a place to go?
Dumping more traffic on Abbott and Abbott Loop with no place for it to
go doesn't make a lot of sense. We are very definitely against this project. |
| 199 |
I
support Alternative A- no action. This alternative, however, does not
seem to be an option at this point. Packaging this project in a statewide
bond issue has snuck it past individual consideration. I get no feeling
that Alternative A is being considered whatsoever. So we are forced to
pick the lesser of the remaining evils. Please give maximum concern with
this development to preserving the wild character of the area north of
68th. Moose need corridors where they can safely walk underneath the busy
new road. The longer bridges accommodate this. Please take Fish and Game's
recommendations. Preservation of existing trail systems needs to be a
priority. Alternatives C and D provide the best protection for this area,
its wild characteristics and wildlife. |
| 200 |
I
support Alternative A- no build. There is no mandate for this project;
it was only a small part of a "groupie" bond package. It also
bypasses the AMATS process.It is my opinion an upgraded Bragaw Road will
increase traffic problems on Tudor and Mouldon Road as it will attract
more traffic to these areas. This is exactly what happened when Lake Otis
was upgraded.If this project is built, it is obvious that extensions both
north and south will be next. Both have serious community impacts. We
don't need to impact our neighborhoods with this and the next phase of
projects. |
