Weather
Is Glenn Highway Overpass Too Dangerous for Pedestrians?Some Muldoon residents say it's a public safety hazardRelated ContentANCHORAGE - If you've been to the Tikahtnu Commons area in Muldoon, you've probably noticed all of the vehicle traffic. The crossing over the Glenn Highway is now busier than ever since the mall began expanding in the last two years. Those who walk that overpass say it's dangerous and a public safety issue. That bridge connects Muldoon to the Commons, the V.A. Clinic, the Heritage Center and Bartlett High School. They say the walk will only get more dangerous when winter hits. Denise Chapas' daughter is a freshman at Bartlett High. She could take the tunnel, but there are risks with that, as well. Her daughter, Bryanna Davis, said none of her friends feel safe walking to or from school. “You're walking and like no cars are watching for you, and usually I walk with some friends, and sometimes I walk by myself, and there are strangers and no one really cares or watches out for you,” Davis said. Bartlett high sophomore Katherine Bigham couldn't agree more. “If you look down to check your phone or something and look up, there is a car right there – you get really scared.” She says this overpass will only get more dangerous and more difficult to cross when the snow falls. “It is really slippery, and where the bridge is there is no other side to it and then there is this big ditch, so you never know if someone is going to slide.” It's an issue those who are running for state office for the region say needs to be addressed. “When there are vehicles here, where there are pedestrians here, when there is snow here, we all believe that this is an accident waiting to happen,” said Barbara Bachmeier, a Republican write-in candidate for House District 13, where the overpass is located. Muldoon residents say it's an accident that can be prevented. KTVA did call other candidates for that district – both Senate and House – but Bachmeier was the only one who called back before the deadline. Still, many of the candidates have said that safety is a concern in that area. |
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
DontGetOutMuch said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 10:22 AM
I have noticed that people don't take the tunnels. The article mentions the tunnels and explains that there is a risk there, (At the Tunnels) but not what it is. Can anyone clear that up?
104802316JustSayin said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 10:35 AM
The tunnels are not well lit and if your walking alone it is very scary and homeless people are always in the tunnels, so it makes it nerve wrecking for kids especially girls walking through them, also the tunnels only take you through two of the exits you would still have to cross the Muldoon exit to the highway which is in somewhat of a curve, so it is hard crossing & I've seen kids almost get hit the all the time.....
104803856DontGetOutMuch said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 12:25 PM
So one of the roads does not have a tunnel? Seriously? As for the lighting and homeless, I agree with your statements there. It does seem like a problem. Be safe kids!!!
104814126Rehbock said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 2:27 PM
Much is needed for Anchorage - a growing northern city - to be winter safe. Even more is needed to make the paths and trails enjoyable for pedestrians enjoyable and pleasing. But the majority continues to elect those who promise to spend even less. It remains always a low priority to get the extra spending for design and maintenance. Hopefully the "right" won't require that our taxes be so low that we don't fix such things at once. Politicians insisting on raising or holding revenue by taxes and spending generously to design, maintain and fix our city would be doing the right thing.
104825386Marco said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 2:27 PM
Homeless or not, look at abduction stories like Samantha Koenig, which are happening ALL over the country, and then walk the path of those tunnels and see how you feel. It most definitely is NOT safe.
104825406akm said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 2:34 PM
What is at least as scary is the number of pedestrians running across the Glenn Hwy--right through traffic--from housing on the south side to the mall on the north. I'm amazed there hasn't been anyone hit yet.
104825976Chris Nguyen said on Thursday, Oct 25 at 3:26 PM
It is very true that this overpass is very dangerous. Anchorage is known to be a bike and pedestrian friendly. It doesn't cost much to put barriers to protect pedestrians and bicycle riders, and put a roof on the walkway.
104829885Thomas Collingwood said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 9:07 AM
Risks @ tunnels? Not knowing what is on the other side: Bears, Moose, people getting high. Safe place to assault (beat, rape, rob, kill) someone because no one can see. Scary bike ride from the bridge to the VA, on the road, the outside of the curve. High speed curve directs sliding cars into pedestrians on the roadway path, no sidewalk for protection, no path on safer inside of the curve. I am brave but take the bus instead of ride my bike - it is just too frightening and dangerous for adults and worse for our children with less skill, patience and impulsiveness.
105022661Add a comment
Most Popular