The city vs the state: the great plow-out clash
Alaska’s News Source tested roads across Anchorage, asking drivers which roads are plowed better: the city’s or state’s?
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Debating how much snow fell, if it was plowed fast enough, and good enough, happens as often as it snows in Alaska — seemingly all the time at least somewhere in the state.
Last week, a storm dumped 12 to 14 inches in different parts of Anchorage, the state’s largest city. And it’s only January, so expect more to come.
On the state side of things, Department of Transportation Spokesperson Justin Shelby said state plows were first focused on Priority 1 roads in Anchorage, which includes the Glenn Highway, New Seward Highway and Minnesota Drive, with a caveat that it “may take up to 12 hours to clear after a winter storm.”
After that, plows hit Priority 2 roads, such as C Street, Muldoon Road and Dimond Boulevard, which could take up to 18 hours to clear.
Combined, Shelby says the state maintains approximately 1,700 lane miles of road in the Anchorage area.
Meanwhile, the city focused on main roads.
“Things are going well,” Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said. ”We had a really big snowstorm, up to two feet of snow in some parts of the municipality. The plows have been out, and working around the clock, and making progress.”
Alaska’s News Source tested roads across Anchorage, asking drivers if the city and state are doing a good job and comparing each street.
It was a bumpy ride down C Street, which the state maintains, to talk with drivers.
“Low key here,” Alexis Garcia said when asked what roads were a problem. “Yeah, midtown for sure.”
“I have the same opinion, but I feel like a lot of the back roads are very bumpy,” Azaya Armstead said about the neighborhood roads, which the city maintains.
“It’s terrible, honestly.”
“I’ve had no concerns or no issues,” Brent Sugabo said before walking into a book store.
Asked what roads stick out as “problem” areas, Brent Holt wasn’t concerned.
“Not at the moment, no,” he said.
The conditions change constantly, and yet another storm is heading to Anchorage.
“If there are problem areas, always contact us,” Shelby said. “We’re happy to address those as we’re able.
“With the colder temperatures, addressing some of that ice pack and the rutting does take quite a bit longer.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the state priority road map, as well as the 511 website, to see which roads have been recently plowed.
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