Spenard has been waiting for years for a redesigned Minnesota Drive. As a past chairman of the Spenard Community Council and a 40-year-plus attendant, I have had many conversations with the Alaska Department of Transportation about Minnesota Drive.
Minnesota Drive is a virtual fence through Spenard. It is a high-speed route with a speed limit of 45 and actual speeds of 50-60 mph. There is no crosswalk from Tudor Road to Spenard or from Spenard to Benson Boulevard.
Imagine walking from your house on 33rd Avenue on the west side of Minnesota Drive to the coffee shop on the east side. You either take your life in your hands crossing the street at 33rd, or you walk four blocks in either direction to cross at the light. Because Minnesota Drive is six lanes, you had better be in good shape or you won’t make it across before the light changes, with Minnesota being the dominant street with shorter light times.
We asked for a redesigned intersection at Spenard and Benson. We asked for a protected crosswalk to 33rd. We asked for reduced speeds, especially in the area of Romig Middle School/West High School. There are 20 mph indicators during school times, which few adhere to, and the area is rarely patrolled by police. Residents got nothing except a rebuilt road that will enable faster traffic.
How many deaths will it take to redesign Minnesota Drive with all users, including pedestrians, in mind?
— Tom McGrath
Spenard
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