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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Academy Drive looking west towards Brayton Drive.
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.
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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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2010 Ortho Image
ADOT Proposed InterChange(December 2011)
Parcels
Draft AlignmentsFor Discussion
FIGURE 2. AERIAL
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.