BRAYTON DRIVE TO ABBOTT ROAD

Concept Report DRAFT

February 2012MOA Project No. 09-004

Prepared for: Municipality of Anchorage, Public Works Department, Project Management & Engineering Division, 4700 Elmore Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507

Prepared by: CRW Engineering Group, LLC3940 Arctic Blvd. Suite 300 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 www.crweng.com

ACADEMY/VANGUARD

Traffic Circulation Improvement

s

ACADEMY DRIVE / VANGUARD DRIVE AREA TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS BRAYTON DRIVE TO ABBOTT ROAD

AcademyDrive/VanguardDriveAreaTrafficCirculationImprovements February2012

DraftConceptReport MOAProject#09‐004

ProjectTeam

Municipality of Anchorage, Project Management & Engineering

Steve Gillette, P.E. – Project Manager

Duane Maney – Project Administrator

CRW Engineering Group, LLC (Consultant)

Context Sensitive Solutions IS:

A result of collaborative processes, broad‐based consultation, and compromise between

community needs and individual interests.

The way to achieve a safe facility that is in harmony with the community and its scenic,

historic, and environmental values.

An efficient use of time, budget, and community resources.

The creation of a public facility that adds lasting value to the community.

A way for the community’s affected interests, as a whole, including immediate residents

to contribute the definition of a project scope.

A balance of competing desires.

A Strategy for Developing Context Sensitive Transportation Projects, MOA Adopted October 2008.


DraftConceptReport MOAProject#09‐004

TableofContents

Project Information/Nomination Form......................................................................................................... 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Background ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Problems to Be Solved ................................................................................................................................ 10

Roadway .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Traffic Circulation .................................................................................................................................... 11

Speeding .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Abbott Road Intersection ........................................................................................................................ 11

Drainage .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Non‐Motorized Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 11

Lighting .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Existing Right‐of‐Way .............................................................................................................................. 11

Utilities .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Coordination with ADOT ............................................................................................................................. 12

Stakeholder Coordination ........................................................................................................................... 12

Summary of General Stakeholder Discussions ........................................................................................... 14

Summary of Business Stakeholder Comments ........................................................................................... 15

Summary of Agency Stakeholder Comments ............................................................................................. 19

Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 20

ListofAppendices

Appendix A Public Involvement Announcements and Displays

Appendix B Meeting Records and Comments

Appendix C Design Criteria Table


DraftConceptReport Page1MOAProject#09‐004

ProjectInformation/NominationForm

Academy Drive / Vanguard Drive Area Traffic Circulation Improvements Brayton Drive to Abbott Road

Municipality of Anchorage

Project #: 09‐004Project Manager: Steve Gillette, P.E. (MOA PM&E) Project Administrator: Duane Maney (MOA PM&E) Consultant: CRW Engineering Group, LLC

Nominated by MOA

Problems to Be Solved

When the 92nd Avenue underpass at the Seward Highway is constructed by the State with a connection to Old Seward Highway, traffic on the connection between the Seward Highway and Abbott Road will increase. This new connection will enhance traffic circulation in the Abbott/Dimond area. The existing roadway is not built to handle the expected traffic volumes with the addition of the 92nd Avenue underpass of the Seward Highway.

Known Issues Increased traffic to area residents and businesses

Speeding along Academy Drive

Parking issues along Academy Drive during soccer season

Congestion and queuing at Vanguard Drive and Abbott Road intersection

Lack of pedestrian and bike pathways

Intersection realignment

Poor neighborhood connectivity

One‐way roads in and out of residential areas creates out of direction travel

Community Councils Abbott Loop Community Council

House District 29 Chris Tuck

Senate District O Kevin Meyer

Assembly District 4 & 6

Elvi Gray‐Jackson and Dick Traini (Section 4); Jennifer Johnston and Chris Birch (Section 6)

Schools Service High, Hanshew Middle, Abbott Loop Elementary, Spring Hill Elementary

Parks None

MOA Grid SW2332, SW2333, SW2432, SW2433

Zoning R2M, R2A, 1‐1SL, R‐3SL, B3‐SL

Utilities Gas, electric, cable, water, sewer

Roadway Right‐of‐Way Width (ROW)

Vanguard and Academy Drives: 60 feet

Abbott Road: 100 feet

Lanes/Speed Academy Drive

2 Lanes Posted Speed25 MPH

85th Percentile Speed Academy Drive

None Available

Lanes/Speed Vanguard Drive

2 Lanes Posted Speed25 MPH

85th Percentile SpeedVanguard Drive

None Available

Average Daily Traffic (ADT)

Academy Drive 2011 ADT: 1,500. 2035 Projected ADT with 92nd Ave Connector: 9,492 Vanguard Drive 2011 ADT: 2,000 2035 Projected ADT with 92nd Ave Connector: 7,015



Average Daily Traffic (ADT, continued)

Existing Vanguard Drive / Abbott Road intersection:eastbound traffic from Vanguard Drive onto Abbott Road Level of Service (LOS): LOS D at AM Peak LOS F at PM Peak

Crash Data From 2006 – 2010, there were 123 crashes at Abbott/Vanguard, 3 crashes at Vanguard/Hartzell, and 21 crashes at Vanguard/Academy. Crash rates will be determined during the Design Study Phase.

Transit Service Routes Route #1 Starts at Dimond Center Transit Center and travels along Abbott Road to Lake Otis Parkway. Route #2 starts at the Dimond Center Transit Center and travels along the Old Seward Highway to O’Malley Road, Independence Drive to Abbott Road then along Lake Otis Parkway towards Midtown terminating in Downtown.

ASD Walking Routes The residential area served by Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive does not include a designated Safe Routes to School.

ASD Bus Service School aged children are bussed to Spring Hill Elementary, Hanshew Middle School on Lake Otis Parkway and Service High School on Abbott Road.

Funding and Schedule Funding Source Current funding $500,000 for planning/design study phase – Local road bonds. Future

funding will be a combination of State Grants and local bonds.

Schedule Phase Approximate Dates Cost Estimate

Design Study 9/2011 to 6/2012 $500,000

Design (unfunded) 7/2012 to 7/2013

Right‐of Way (Unfunded) 12/2012 to 12/2013

Utilities (Unfunded) 7/2012 to 6/2013

Bid Phase (Unfunded) 1/2014 to 3/2014

Construction (Unfunded) 5/2014 to 6/2015 $8,800,000

Total Project Cost Estimate $9,300,000

Guiding Plans

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

Street Typology: Mixed‐Use. Located in areas characterized by a mix of high‐intensity commercial, retail and residential areas with substantial pedestrian activity as defined by the employment and redevelopment designation in Anchorage 2020. Mixed‐use streets typically consist of two to four travel lanes.

Recommended Road Improvement Projects in the Short Term (2006‐2015): Add new facility – extend 92nd Avenue from Brayton Drive to Abbott Road. Purpose: Circulation and access. Length of project: 0.45 miles. Length of new sidewalk: 0.45 miles. Length of new pathway: 0.45 miles.

Official Streets & Highways Plan (OS&HP) 1996 (Amended in 2005)

Functional Classification: Minor Arterial Designation with minimum of two lanes and 80 feet of right‐of‐way.

Minor arterials function to move through traffic and also provide a land access function. Access should be at block intervals whenever possible. They carry traffic parallel to or connecting with major arterials supplementing the flow on the major system. Minor arterials serve less concentrated traffic generation areas such as neighborhood shopping areas and schools. Direct access is controlled to a lesser degree on minor arterials than on major arterials.



Anchorage Bowl 2020 Comprehensive Plan

Policy 37: “Design, construct and maintain roadways or rights‐of‐way to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclist, transit users, the disabled, automobiles and trucks where appropriate.”

Policy 38: “Design, construct and maintain roadways or rights‐of‐way to promote and enhance physical connectivity within and between neighborhoods.”

Policy 53: “Design, construct and maintain roads to retain or enhance scenic views and improve the general appearance of the road corridor.”

Policy 54: “Design and construct neighborhood roads and walkways to ensure safe pedestrian movement and neighborhood connectivity and to discourage high‐speed, cut through traffic.”

Abbott Town Center area.

Composite Land Use Plan Map (Conceptually Adopted by PZC June 2006)

Community Activity Area, Low/Medium Intensity Residential, Office – Low Intensity.

2010 Anchorage Bicycle Plan

Proposed on‐street bicycle lane

Proposed separated multi‐use pathway

Proposed paved shoulder bikeway

2007 Pedestrian Plan Priority 149 – Brayton Drive from Legacy Drive to Dimond Blvd. for missing sidewalk and lighting on a school bus stop route.

Priority 284 – 88th/9nd Avenue and Academy Drive at Seward Highway for missing link walkway

2006 Anchorage Bowl Park, Natural Resource and Recreational Facility Plan

SE Park District. No municipally‐owned parks in the project area. Closest park is Ruth Arcand Park between Abbott Road and Lake Otis Parkway. Cook Inlet Soccer uses the grass fields at the Holly Spirit Association for the Unification of the World church property.

Wetlands Management Plan

No designated wetlands in the project area.



IntroductionThe Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) is studying

alternatives to improve the traffic cirulation on

Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive in the

Abbott/Dimond area. The Seward Highway/92nd

Avenue Grade Separation Project, which is

designed to alleviate congestion in the Dimond

Boulevard / Seward Highway area, is being

managed by the Alaska Department of

Transportation (ADOT). The existing Academy

Drive and Vanguard Drive roadways were not

designed to handle the expected traffic volumes

resulting from the future extension of Academy Drive to the west beneath the Seward Highway to

connect to 92nd Avenue. The MOA's Academy Drive / Vanguard Drive project will evaluate various

transportation network alternatives to find a logical and efficient link between Academy Drive to Abbott

Road that will safely accommodate increased vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic generated by the

ADOT's 92nd Avenue project.

This project will evaluate alternatives to upgrade the roadways to current Municipal standards to

improve both pedestrian and driver safety. Improvements are expected to include a new road

alignment, improved circulation and connectivity, pedestrian/bicycle facilities, and street lighting. The

project will also evaluate alternatives to improve the Vanguard Drive and Abbott Road intersection.

The first phase of the project is the preparation of the Concept Report using the MOA Context Sensitive

Solutions Strategy (CSS) Policy. The CSS policy provides guidelines to involve project stakeholders in

defining the problems to be solved. This report documents the public process, issues identified by the

stakeholders, and conceptual alternatives to carry forward to the Design Phase.

Background

Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive are minor arterial roadways in the Dimond/Abbott area that serves

several adjacent residential neighborhoods, commercial office, medical offices, state‐assisted housing

and commercial retail near the Abbott Town Center as designated in the Anchorage Bowl Anchorage

2020 Comprehensive Plan. See FIGURE 1 for an overview of the project area.

Academy Drive is an 80‐foot wide roadway with two 11‐foot wide, paved lanes with curbs on both sides

and street lighting. The posted speed is 25 mph. There are no pedestrian/non‐motorized facilities along

Academy Drive.

Vanguard Drive is a minor arterial from Academy Drive to Abbott Road within the project area. It has

two, paved 11‐foot wide lanes with curbs on both sides and street lighting. The posted speed limit is 25

MPH. There are no pedestrian/non‐motorized facilities along Vanguard Drive within the project

corridor. The public right‐of‐way for Vanguard Drive is 60 feet.



This project is a priority for the Abbott Loop Community Council and a high priority for the Traffic

Department, and the surrounding businesses and the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The goals of

this project are to:

Provide an efficient and logical link to accommodate additional traffic from the proposed

92nd Avenue Connector Project;

Upgrade Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive to current MOA minor arterial road standards;

Improve safety by providing pedestrian facilities to separate pedestrians and bicycles from

vehicle traffic; and

Improve the circulation and congestion for the residential neighborhoods and businesses in

the area.

Currently, the project has been funded with a $500,000 State grant for the planning/concept and

design study phase. Additional bond funding and State grants will be necessary for design, pre‐

construction tasks including any right‐of‐way acquisitions and utility relocations. The preliminary

estimated construction cost is approximately $8.8 million. The earliest construction could occur is in

2014 if funding becomes available.

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Area Context

The Academy Drive – Vanguard Drive corridors

transect a diverse mix of land uses that include

commercial offices, commercial retail, light

industrial, single family homes including the

Southwood Manor Mobile Home Park, multi‐family

dwellings and state‐assisted disabled housing. The

only access for several residential neighborhoods is

via the Seward Highway one‐way frontage roadway

along Brayton Drive. To the south of the Academy

Drive – Vanguard Drive corridor is the Independence

Park residential neighborhood.

There are no Municipally‐owned parks in the project

area but there is a large park‐like area owned by the

Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World

Christianity Church widely used by the Cook Inlet

Soccer Club which also has an office on Academy

Drive.

Commercial activities include medical and health

services offices, a gas station, commercial retail such

as the Fred Meyers grocery chain, restaurants such

as Chili’s and Qdoba, and banking and professional

services offices. Light industrial land uses are also

scattered along Vanguard Drive and Hartzell Road.

There are no sidewalks in the project area and

pedestrians use the roadway to walk or bike. There

is a considerable amount of foot traffic from the

residential area to the Fred Meyer store on the

corner of Abbott Road and Lake Otis Parkway. The

closest transit service is Route #1 which starts at the

Dimond Center Transit Center and travels along

Abbott Road to Lake Otis Parkway. Students living in

the area are bussed to Spring Hill Elementary,

Hanshew Middle School and Service High School.

Vanguard Drive at Abbott Road

Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive intersection.



Guiding Plans – Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

Street Typology: Mixed‐Use. Located in areas characterized by a mix of high‐intensity commercial, retail and residential areas with substantial pedestrian activity as defined by the employment and redevelopment designation in Anchorage 2020. Mixed‐use streets typically consist of two to four travel lanes. Recommended Road Improvement Projects (#628) in the Short Term (2006‐2015): Add new facility – extend 92nd Avenue from Brayton Drive to Abbott Road. Purpose: Circulation and access. Length of project: 0.45 mile. Length of new sidewalk: 0.45 mile. Length of new pathway: 0.45 mile.

Official Streets & Highways Plan (OS&HP) 1996 (Amended in 2005)

Functional Classification: Minor Arterial Designation with minimum of two lanes and 80 feet of right‐of‐way.

Minor arterials function to move through traffic and also provide a land access function. Access should be at block intervals whenever possible. They carry traffic parallel to or connecting with major arterials supplementing the flow on the major system. Minor arterials serve less concentrated traffic generation areas such as neighborhood shopping areas and schools. Direct access is controlled to a lesser degree on minor arterials than on major arterials.

Anchorage Bowl 2020 Comprehensive Plan

Policy 37: “Design, construct and maintain roadways or rights‐of‐way to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclist, transit users, the disabled, automobiles and trucks where appropriate.”

Policy 38: “Design, construct and maintain roadways or rights‐of‐way to promote and enhance physical connectivity within and between neighborhoods.”

Policy 53: “Design, construct and maintain roads to retain or enhance scenic views and improve the general appearance of the road corridor.”

Policy 54: “Design and construct neighborhood roads and walkways to ensure safe pedestrian movement and neighborhood connectivity and to discourage high‐speed, cut through traffic.”

Abbott Town Center

Composite Land Use Plan Map (Conceptually Adopted by PZC June 2006)

Community Activity Area, Low/Medium Intensity Residential, Office – Low Intensity.

2010 Anchorage Bicycle Plan

Proposed on‐street bicycle lane

Proposed separated multi‐use pathway

Proposed paved shoulder bikeway (from Golden View Middle School to Rabbit Creek Road intersection)

2007 Pedestrian Plan Priority 149 – Brayton Drive from Legacy Drive to Dimond Blvd. for missing sidewalk and lighting on a school bus stop route.

Priority 284 – 88th/9nd Avenue and Academy Drive at Seward Highway for missing link walkway

2006 Anchorage Bowl Park, Natural Resource & Recreational Facility Plan

SE Park District. No municipally‐owned parks in the project area. Closest park is Ruth Arcand Park between Abbott Road and Lake Otis Parkway. Cook Inlet Soccer uses the grass fields at the Holly Spirit Association for the Unification of the World church property.

Wetlands Management Plan

No designated wetlands in the project area.

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Legend

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Parcels

Draft AlignmentsFor Discussion

FIGURE 2. AERIAL



ProblemstoBeSolved

Roadway

The existing Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive roadways were not built to handle the expected traffic

volumes resulting from the future extension of Academy Drive to the west beneath the Seward Highway

to connect to 92nd Avenue to the Old Seward Highway.

Academy Drive also does not meet current MOA minor arterial roadway standards. Existing traffic data

was collected by Kittelson and Associates for this study. Annual average daily traffic (AADT) was also

projected f by ADOT&PF or the 92nd Avenue Grade Separation project.

Existing Traffic Volumes (2011)

Projected Traffic Volumes (2035)

The Vanguard Drive / Abbott Road intersection is currently operating at a Level of Service (LOS) D for

westbound traffic (from the business driveway) onto Abbott and LOS F for eastbound traffic from

Vanguard Drive onto Abbot Road. The left turn/through movements for both approaches operate at a

LOS F during the PM Peak. The contributing factors for crashes include congestion, speeds, and visibility

on Abbott Road due to the curves (especially during the winter).

According to the OS&HP, Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive are designated as a “Class II Minor

Arterial.” During the Design Study Phase, traffic data including capacity analysis, turning movements,

crash data, and speed studies etc. will be updated and analyzed in greater detail including projections

for the design life of the facility.

Academy Drive

1,500 Brayton Drive to Vanguard Drive

Vanguard Drive

2,000 Academy Drive to Abbott Road

Academy Drive

9,492 Brayton Drive to Vanguard Drive

Vanguard Drive

7,015 Academy Drive to Abbott Road



TrafficCirculation

Currently, one‐way in and out of neighborhoods has created out‐of‐direction travel for residents,

increasing the vehicle miles driven by vehicles from these neighborhoods, and adding to traffic

congestion and traffic volumes.

Speeding

Speeding along Academy Drive has noise impacts on the adjacent Southwood Manor residents. The flat

roadway has no built‐in traffic calming elements creating noise impacts from fast moving automobiles

that have reportedly used the roadway for drag racing.

AbbottRoadIntersection

The Vanguard Drive and Abbott Road intersection is not currently signalized. Traffic from the residential

areas and commercial offices along Vanguard Drive queue up during peak traffic hours. Drivers turning

from Vanguard Drive onto Abbot Road have a difficult time judging which lane a vehicle is in and

determining an appropriate gap between vehicles to navigate their turn or straight movement because

of the curves along Abbott Road and indistinguishable sight distance. Left turn and through movements

at this intersection can be very difficult for drivers to make during peak hours and extremely difficult for

pedestrians. The closest signalized intersection is at Independence Drive and Abbott Road to the east.

Drainage

Drainage is currently conveyed through a curb and gutter storm drain system along the roadway.

However, drainage can pond where parking lot grades and roadway grades do not match.

Non‐MotorizedFacilities

There are no bike paths or sidewalks on either Academy Drive or Vanguard Drive. Fred Meyers and the

adjacent retail and commercial businesses draw considerable foot traffic from this residential area. The

lack of sidewalks or pathways makes it challenging for pedestrians and bicyclists who do not have other

modal choices. It is also more difficult for drivers if pedestrians are in the roadway because there are no

dedicated sidewalks or pathways.

All students in the area attending the elementary, middle and high schools are bussed. The lack of

sidewalks and pathways also precludes a separated area for students to wait at school bus stops.

Lighting

Currently, both Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive have lighting along the roadway on one side.

ExistingRight‐of‐Way

Academy Drive:

80 feet between Brayton Drive and Vanguard Drive



Vanguard Drive:

60 Feet between Academy Drive and Abbott Road intersection

Utilities

Existing utilities in the corridor include:

Natural gas

Sewer

Water

Electric

Communications (ACS, GCI)

CoordinationwithADOTCoordination with ADOT & PF on the Seward Highway/92nd Avenue Projects began in May 2011 and has

been ongoing. Both ADOT’s Seward Highway/92nd Avenue Projects and the MOA’s Academy/Vanguard

Area project were represented at the December 1, 2011 Open House. The Agency Stakeholder meeting

was coordinated to include ADOT’s representation of their Seward Highway/92nd Avenue projects also.

Coordination will continue during the Design Study and Design Phase of this project to ensure that

roadway improvements match. The ADOT 92nd Avenue connector project ends on Academy Drive just

east of the Trailer Park where the MOA Academy/Vanguard Area project begins.

StakeholderCoordinationUsing the MOA CSS process as a guideline, the project team began the public and agency outreach in

October 2011 with the identification of over 2,000 project stakeholders. The goal of the CSS process is

to collaborate with all stakeholders to improve the safety and mobility of the corridor, balance diverse

interests, and to find areas of compromise that address budget and environmental concerns.



List of Stakeholders

MOA Agencies Other Agency Stakeholders

Project Management & Engineering Adjacent property owners, businesses and residents

Traffic Division Abbott Loop Community Council

Community Development and Planning

ADOT&PF

Watershed Management Alaska Communication Systems (ACS) and GCI

Non‐Motorized Transportation Chugach Electric Association (CEA)

Maintenance and Operations ENSTAR Natural Gas Company

Right‐of‐Way AWWU

Street Maintenance Senator Kevin Meyer

Geotechnical Services House Representative Chris Tuck

Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) Anchorage Assembly Representatives Grey‐Jackson, Traini, Birch and Johnston

Parks and Recreation

Survey

Anchorage Police Department

Information distributions included a combination of traditional newsletters by mail and electronic

newsletter updates. Copies of announcements, displays, and other communications are included in

APPENDIX A. From September 2011 to January 2012, the following activities have been undertaken to

solicit feedback:

Project Website (www.academyandvanguard.com) September 2011 (Updated as necessary)

Post Card & E‐Newsletter Invite to Open House November 2011

Abbott Loop Community Council Presentation October 27, 2011

Open House @ Spring Hill Elementary School December 1, 2011

E‐newsletter Update – Comment Summary January 11, 2012

Business Stakeholder Meeting January 19, 2012

Agency Presentation January 24, 2012

E‐newsletter‐ Update As necessary

Abbott Loop Community Council Update February 23, 2012

Individual Stakeholder Contact Ongoing

The CSS process will continue throughout the design phase with opportunities for stakeholders to obtain

information and provide feedback through the web page, e‐newsletters, open houses, community

council presentations, and direct feedback through phone calls and e‐mail.



SummaryofGeneralStakeholderDiscussionsComments from the 39 stakeholders who attended the Open House, and the additional 5 who

submitted written comments, and comments heard at the Community Council meetings are

summarized below. A complete list of actual comments received to date and meeting records can be

found in APPENDIX B.

Sidewalks and Pathways

There was consensus that pedestrian and bicycle facilities should be addressed on both Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive as part of this project.

A multi‐use pathway is widely supported.

Connections from one neighborhood to another as well as pedestrian connects to the commercial

center at the Fred Meyer is highly supported.

Traffic Congestion

There was consensus that traffic congestion was already at a level nearing grid lock during peak travel times and should be addressed at the Vanguard Drive / Abbott Road intersection as part of this project. Other comments included:

Traffic problems/congestion will increase once the 92nd Avenue project is complete.

Property acquisition will be likely for most new road alignments that are necessary to relieve

congestion.

Fixing the Academy Drive/92nd Avenue may cause more problems for Abbott Road traffic

problems, especially at the intersection of Vanguard Drive and Abbott Road.

Abbott Road Intersection

Traffic problems/congestion are already problematic at this intersection

Left turning movements are almost impossible with sight distance issues from the curve in

Abbott Road.

Through‐movements are already difficult.

Consider putting in a signal here or on the other side of the gas station.

Academy Drive

Speeding and noise is an issue along the straight and wide Academy Drive.

An alternate route out of the Southwood Mobile Homes Park and out of Moss Creek/Heather

Meadows neighborhood is needed to provide emergency access and for increased connectivity

to reduce out of direction travel.

Parking on both sides of Academy Drive at Holy Spirit fields during soccer season impacts both

residents and the drivability of the roadway because of the reduction in visibility.

A future connection at 92nd Avenue may increase truck traffic on Academy Drive because of the

more efficient route to access the Old Seward/Dimond Center commercial area.



Vanguard Drive

Cut through traffic on Vanguard Drive through the adjacent residential neighborhood is

currently a problem as vehicles are avoiding the Abbott Road intersection. The 92nd

Avenue/Academy Drive connection will bring more cars onto this roadway.

Cut through traffic happens at Courage Circle as people are trying to get to the Fred Meyer

commercial retail area by Independence Drive.

This is a residential, recreation and commercial area without pathways for pedestrians or bike

routes. Dedicated non‐motorized facilities would increase safety for automobiles also, especially

around the curved roadways.

Any design alternatives should consider minimizing curves as winter conditions and line of sight

issues make it more difficult to navigate.

Brayton Drive

A two‐way frontage road like the ones they have in the Valley would help out residents with the

one‐way Brayton Drive/frontage road as their only access.

Residents living in Independence Park avoid Abbott Road intersection by taking Academy Drive

to Brayton Drive to Dimond Blvd.

The Brayton Drive frontage road is the only access for residents living in the Southwood Manor

Mobile Home Park and the Heather Meadows residents.

Property Acquisition for New Roadway Alignment

Commercial and residential property acquisition is likely to be necessary for a new alignment

that will solve the congestion and traffic circulation issues in the area and was generally

supported by some property owners who may be impacted.

The fact that several properties in the area are currently on the market, could provide

opportunities for acquisitions early in the process should funding become available.

SummaryofBusinessStakeholderCommentsThe intent of the Business Stakeholder Meeting held on January 19, 2012 was to inform, to solicit

feedback and to brainstorm ideas from area businesses and organizations in the project area that use

the roadways every day. Ten people attended, representing seven businesses/organizations.

Q: What is the funding for the ADOT projects, current and future?

The current project has $20 million which provides a new roadway (92nd Avenue) on the west side of the

Seward Highway and new on‐and off‐ramps from the Seward Highway to access 92nd Ave. The future

project, which includes the 92nd Ave underpass connector to Academy Drive, is approximately $17

million. The current project (Ph.1) is estimated to begin construction in 2014‐2015. Construction for the

future project (Ph.2) is estimated for 2020‐2021.



Q. Does the traffic model account for the increased traffic on Abbott with the connection of Elmore

and Martin Luther King Drive? Elmore to Abbott is now the quickest route to access this area from the

Muldoon area. When Elmore Road was built to Abbott Road, traffic started to back up on Abbott all

the way to Vanguard Drive because of the increased number of users traveling from the eastside to

the Dimond Blvd. area or south Anchorage. The Traffic model should include "out‐of‐town"

contributions (those coming in from Wasilla, etc. to purchase a soccer ball at Sports Authority).

The traffic model is currently being updated and will include all new connections that are planned that

could affect the traffic volume projections for this project. The traffic model will also look at origins and

destinations of travel trips to help understand where traffic is going.

Comment: If another traffic light were to be put in at the Abbott/Vanguard intersection, that would

be the third signal along the same corridor without much spacing between them which seems like a

lot of signals. The traffic signals at Vanguard, 88th, and Independence would be coordinated and timed

to allow traffic to progress smoothly and efficiently through this corridor.

Comment: A signal at the intersection of Vanguard/Abbott to reduce the rate of crashes and access to

businesses should be considered. It is difficult for vehicles to turn left from Abbott into the businesses

on the east side. Also, motorists currently cut through the businesses on the west side to turn right

onto Abbott Road because they become impatient waiting for people to turn left from Vanguard Drive

onto Abbott Road. It is much easier to use Academy Drive to access the Seward Highway from R&M

than to try to get onto Abbott with a left turn. The left turn movement does not perform satisfactory

(has a failing level‐of‐service) today. This intersection will continue to “fail” when 92nd Avenue

underpass is constructed if there are no improvements. Accident rates at the Abbott Road/ Vanguard

Drive intersection are high (21 accidents in the past 5 years). The high traffic volumes at this intersection

are bringing it close to a volume threshold that would warrant a signal. A signal warrant study will be

coordinated with the Municipality's Traffic Department in determining if a signal will be installed.

Comment: The study should address cut‐through traffic that is using R&M's parking lot.

This study will look at all possible alternatives and alignments and that will provide a more connected

transportation network so that cut‐through traffic is minimized. Cut‐through traffic at Courage Drive to

Independence Drive and Fred Meyers was also reported by residents at the Open House.

Q. Why is the red alignment unfavorable? Don't discount or throw out the red‐option (straight thru)

too soon in the process. It seems like the direct connection from Abbott to the Seward Highway would

be ideal? Another traffic design sub‐goal to consider, is getting the traffic going to 92nd Avenue, over

to 92nd Avenue as fast as possible (eg, as the red‐option would do). The large property acquisitions

associated with this alterative make it very expensive. Additionally, the angle of the intersection of the

red alignment with Abbott would not be standard and could create hazards and confusion. However, this

alternative will be fully analyzed at the Design Study phase.



The Design Study Report will include this as an alternative that was considered along with all other

alternatives. At the Open House, residents reported that speeding and drag racing along Academy Drive

is already a problem because it is a wide and flat road. The red alignment would make Academy Drive

straighter and faster and may exasperate the current problem with speeding. Drive‐ by bb gun shootings

near the trailer with windows being shot out was reported at the Open House by residents. A business

owner in attendance reported that his windows have been shot out.

Comment: There was a section line easement at 92nd Ave (which is essentially Abbott Road if it were

to continue straight) but it was vacated during the development process.

Q. When will the Academy‐Vanguard project be built? 2014 is the earliest if all the funding is in place;

in 2013 right‐of‐way acquisition will begin. The acquisition process will begin only after a preferred

alternative has been chosen and the road is sufficiently advanced to determine what acquisitions are

necessary. Moreover, the property acquisition process is a confidential matter between the property

owners and the Municipality.

Q. Family Church (Holy Spirit Association) commented that Cook Inlet Soccer Club (CISC) uses their

fields without a fee on a yearly basis in exchange for maintaining it. CISC has had that agreement for

the past 10 years. They are concerned about the increased traffic volumes on Academy Drive and the

safety of children running onto the roadway after stray soccer balls. The high‐demand of parking on

Academy from the soccer fields was reiterated. Could a fence be installed along Academy to prevent

soccer balls from entering the roadway and from children running onto the road to fetch the ball,

especially if the roadway will be higher speed with higher traffic volumes than it is currently?

Landscaping, buffers, separation from the roadway, lighting, pedestrian facilities will all be addressed

during the detail design phase of the project.

Q. Have roundabouts been considered on Abbott Road?

With signalized intersections at both 88th Ave and Independence Drive, a roundabout would not work at

Vanguard/Abbott because the existing signals would back traffic up at the roundabouts during peak

times. Roundabouts work best with other roundabouts or as a stand‐alone but are less effective when

paired with signals.

Q. What will the city do if full funding is secured this year? Will it construct even though the 92nd

Avenue interchange is so far out? How soon before the 92nd project does the city need to construct

the Academy‐Vanguard project? A business representative was appreciative of the Municipality’s

continued coordination with ADOT on their 92nd Ave project. The Municipality may reassess the

schedule if the 92nd Avenue project is 10‐20 years out. But it is not a question of “if” the 92nd Avenue

interchange will happen; it’s a question of “when.” The Municipality is cautiously planning this project in

order to be proactive and prepared for ADOT’s 92nd Avenue connection.

Q. Have any alternatives been considered that uses the existing alignment of Academy and Vanguard?

Using the existing alignment is a good possibility with the lowest impact to adjacent properties but it

may not solve the problem of moving projected increased traffic from 92nd to Abbott efficiently. The



Design Study Report will include this as an alternative. The positives and negatives of each alternative

will also be discussed in the Design Study Report.

Q. What does the $7.8 million in the CIP request include?

$7.8 million is the estimate for the right‐of‐way acquisition, pre‐construction costs and construction

costs. The project currently has just over $1 million for the design study report and design. The project’s

total estimated cost is $8.8 million.

Q. Could the project be phased to accommodate the unknown schedule of the 92nd Avenue

connection? Maybe don’t acquire property yet, but select an alternative and make

Academy/Vanguard a 4‐way stop and install a signal at Vanguard/Abbott? This idea was noted and will

be evaluated. The key is how to construct phased improvements now without having to remove those

new improvements in 5+ years when 92nd Ave is constructed. Constructing a new road then removing it

5 years later is typically not supported by the public.

Comment: Consider "phasing" the project, in order not to have the full complement of Academy

improvements "lead" the 92nd Avenue improvements, especially if we're talking 2020 for the

construction of the full complement of 92nd Avenue improvements. In a nutshell, we can phase our Ph.1

with the ADOT's Ph.1, and so on. And while we cannot eliminate some elements of our Ph.1 from being

sacrificial, we can minimize these by knowing what our Ph.2 is likely to look like even if we don't build

it until a decade from now.

Q. Does the funding request include acquisition of the R&M buildings for right‐of‐way?

Analysis of alternative has only just begun, and no preferred alternative has been determined at this

point. Additional funding will be required for any substantial acquisition of parcels.

Q. Is a roundabout possible at the intersection of Academy/Vanguard?

A large amount of right‐of‐way is required for a roundabout, but this will be evaluated further during the

Design Study Phase. Roundabouts work in many instances for improved traffic flow, but generally not

close proximity to existing signals which would have a tendency to cause the roundabout to gridlock.

Q. Is the Mayor supportive of this project and will he promote this to the State legislature?

This is a priority in the Mayor’s legislative request list to help solve the traffic congestion issues at the

Dimond Blvd/Seward Highway interchange.

Q. Will the Design Study Report include a recommended alternative?

Yes, the Design Study Report will include the analysis of each alternative and a statement of the

preferred alternative. It is scheduled to be completed by April/May 2012.

Q. Cornerstone Clinic’s building on the northwest corner of Academy Drive/Vanguard Drive was

previously moved. May be it can be moved again? Spinell Homes was asked if they have any involvement

with Cornerstone Clinic and they answered that they developed the site but are not involved anymore.



SummaryofAgencyStakeholderComments(Responses are italicized)

The purpose of the Agency Stakeholder Meeting was to inform and coordinate with the various

Municipal, State and utility stakeholder on the scope of the traffic circulation study and roadway

upgrade project prior to drafting the Concept Report. Over 15 agency representatives attended.

ADOT & PF Related 92nd Avenue Connector Project

Q: Is the 92nd Avenue connector project proposed to connect under the Seward Highway or over?

Under the Seward Highway is the preferred based on the cost analysis of both the over and under the

Highway alternatives. Ground water is shallow in this area with about 2 feet of water under the

highway. Deep digging is not an option and raising the highway will be necessary.

Q. Where does the ADOT project stop on the east side of the Seward Highway?

From Brayton Drive at the Seward Highway to just east of the trailer park along Academy Drive.

Q. What size will the sidewalk be on the ADOT portion of Academy Drive?

A 6 ‐foot sidewalk on one side, a 10‐ foot pathway on the other side and an on‐street bike path is

anticipated.

Comment: Hartzell Road is an example where the MOA put in an 8‐foot sidewalk in to connect the

residential area to the commercial area.

Comment: ADOT summarized the other state road projects in the Dimond/Seward Highway vicinity that

will help with traffic circulation once completed including Sandalwood to Lore Road, Dimond to Dowling,

and new ramps at Lore Road and 76th Avenue at the Seward Highway.

Alignment Concepts

Q: Will Independence Drive connect to Academy Drive (red alignment concept)?

The decision on the preferred alignment will be based on how much right‐of‐way can be acquired and

based on how much funding is provided.

Traffic Circulation and Parking

Q. Adequate parking for soccer is an issue now along Academy Drive – will parking be going away with

the road upgrade?

The road upgrade project is an opportunity to improve the parking situation and to improve the safety of

the field use with landscaping treatments to prevent stray balls from reaching the road.

Q: Is a gate as cut‐through traffic mitigation measure at Courage Drive a possibility? Residents there

have asked for one to reduce the number of cut through traffic trips to access Independence Drive and

the Fred Meyer store?



The project will look at improving traffic circulation to the area so that cut‐through neighborhood traffic

will be minimized as people are given more efficient travel choices with better connections.

SummaryIn general, the design for Academy Drive and Vanguard Drive from Brayton Drive to Abbott Road as

Minor Arterials will contain the following elements:

Two travel lanes;

Separated on –street bike lanes;

Multi‐use pathway/sidewalk;

Piped storm drain system;

Lighting;

Landscaping; and

Marked pedestrian crossings.

In addition, the following will be evaluated during the design phase:

A new roadway alignment;

Traffic analysis to determine traffic controls, need for turning lanes, and connectivity options;

and

Intersection alternatives for Abbott Road.

BRAYTON DRIVE TO ABBOTT ROAD

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