State studies Anchorage traffic cameras to combat hit-and-run drivers
The state may install traffic cameras next summer at 82 more Anchorage intersections as a safety move.
The idea is that the presence of cameras will motivate drivers to not leave the scene of an accident.
“The purpose of this project is to reduce the severity of pedestrian and bicycle crashes by increasing the likelihood that drivers will stop and render assistance, thus improving safety for vulnerable road users,” the state Department of Transportation & Public Facilities said in a December 4 public notice.
Send comments by December 30 to Brian Elliott, DOT&PF preliminary design and environmental, Box 196900, Anchorage, AK 99519-6900.
His email address is Brian.Elliott@alaska.gov .
Two-hundred of the 283 state and municipal traffic lights in Anchorage now have cameras.
“Please note that the cameras only hold approximately 72 hours of video data - after that the files are overwritten and lost,” the municipality says of its cameras.
In the Northern Region, the state says the traffic cameras at intersections detect the presence of cars for changing the lights, but the cameras do not record video, read license plates or send information to law enforcement.
The Northern Region cameras should be recording data at intersections to help with traffic investigations and improve safety.
My view is that the state and local governments—which have inadequate levels of traffic patrol—should use traffic cameras to get more drivers to stop running red lights and to slow down. There are lots of drivers who travel at excessive speeds and run red lights because they are unlikely to get stopped.
State and local government leaders have refused to use technological advances to make the streets safer because some people would object.
Other states have found ways to make traffic cameras work, increasing safety for all.
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The Johnson River Bridge on the Alaska Highway, southeast of Delta.
STATE HAS A BRIDGE TO GIVE AWAY: The Johnson River bridge, built in 1944 between Delta and Tok, will eventually be replaced with a new one.
The state is asking if anyone wants the old one for “non-vehicular traffic.”
According to a state announcement, “DOT&PF is making the existing bridge available for acquisition to a state, locality or private entity. The existing bridge is historically significant and as such the recipient must agree to maintain the bridge and the features that give it historic significance.”
“Funds may potentially be available to recipients to help defray costs of bridge removal and transportation. Recipients are responsible for removal of the bridge, transport of the bridge, and installation and maintenance of the bridge in its new location. Note that the bridge has lead paint, and responsibility for the lead paint mitigation will be assumed by the recipient. Additionally, due to its age and condition, DOT&PF believes this bridge would only be appropriate for re-use for non-vehicular traffic on non-public roads,” the state said.
“DOT&PF is now accepting proposals for the relocation and reuse of the bridge until January 29, 2025. Information about the bridge is available from, and questions may be sent to Jennifer Wright, P.E. DOT&PF Project Manager by email at jennifer.wright@alaska.gov or by phone at (907) 371-8949. Preservation covenants may accompany the bridge.”
Your contributions help support independent analysis and political commentary by Alaska reporter and author Dermot Cole. Thank you for reading and for your support. Either click here to use PayPal or send checks to: Dermot Cole, Box 10673, Fairbanks, AK 99710-0673.
Write me at dermotmcole@gmail.com.