Improvements to these roads were identified by the Abbott Loop Community Council as priorities during the Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) process. Improvements are based on existing conditions and deficiencies as well as future transportation needs. An initial assessment is summarized below.
- The existing roads do no meet current MOA collector standards for lane and shoulder widths.
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Excessive speeding has been documented:
- The posted speed on Lore is 30 mph. Speed studies show that 85% of the drivers are going 35 mph.
- The posted speed on 72nd is 30 mph but speed studies show 85% of the drivers are going 38 mph.
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MOA collector roadway standards require pedestrian walkways on both sides of the roadways.
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There is high groundwater in the area and the existing roads have poor drainage. This results in deteriorating asphalt and increased maintenance costs.
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Lore has an Annual Average Daily Traffic (ADT) count of 1,302 vehicles, 72nd -3,200 vehicles, and Spruce - 2,070 vehicles.
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The existing roadways do no meet current MOA collector standards.
- Shoulder width does not meet current standards of 5 feet.
- Lane widths do not meet current standards for a collector road.
- The intersection at 72nd and Spruce has poor sight distance.
- There has been a history of accidents at the intersection of Lake Otis and 72nd; however, the planned installation of a traffic signal should address this situation.
- The project area is within the Kasuun and Trailside Elementary School boundaries. Anchorage School District bus routes travel on 72nd, Spruce, and Lore.
- People Mover serves the area with Route 65 on the section of Lore east of Spruce.
Conceptual alternatives and selection of Preferred Design alternative are based on:
- Existing conditions
- Future needs
- Public safety impacts
- Construction, operation and maintenance costs
- Community benefits
- Municipal, state, and federal design criteria manuals
- Environmental regulations
- Local planning documents including the OS&HP, the Anchorage Areawide Trails Plan, and the Anchorage 2020 Comprehensive Plan
- Context sensitive design which addresses the need and purpose of the project, safety, mobility, and the preservation of scenic, aesthetic, historic, environmental and community values
- Stakeholder input
The final selection of Preferred Alternative is made by the MOA Department of Project Management and Engineering and Traffic Department.
- MOA PM&E Project Manager - Steve Gillette
- MOA Traffic Engineer - Bob Kniefel
- MOA Traffic Director - Lance Wilber
- MOA PM&E Municipal Engineer - Howard Holtan
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