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Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard, and Turnagain |
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November 14, 2018
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Winter is finally here, and that means more snow (hopefully)! The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) works hard every day to keep the roads open and safe for Alaskans. Winters are challenging for their crews and for the traveling public. It is incumbent on all of us to prepare our vehicles and our driving expectations for Alaska’s winter conditions. Winter Road Maintenance Information & Resources DOT&PF follows a systematic approach to clear Alaska’s roads of snow and ice by categorizing every state-maintained road as one of five priority levels. Each level is based on traffic volume, speed, and connections to communities and other roads within the local transportation network. Response time during winter weather is usually dependent on the severity of the storm. Priority 1 roads will receive the most winter maintenance, followed by Priority 2, Priority 3 and, finally, Priority 4. Priority 5 roads do not receive winter maintenance. The Winter Road Maintenance Priority Map is available to help Alaskans identify the priority level of the roads they drive most frequently. To learn more about DOT&PF winter snow plowing priorities, click the image below to watch a short video:
Staying Informed DOT&PF has many winter condition resources to assist Alaskans while navigating the roads. Here are a few other helpful resources:
DOT&PF reminds drivers to prepare for safe winter travel and to drive according to road and weather conditions. Remember, posted speed limits are for dry pavement. Drivers can access travel information by visiting 511.Alaska.Gov or dialing 5-1-1. The Municipality of Anchorage also has many street maintenance resources for Anchorage residents:
Helpful Safe Driving Tips DOT&PF reminds drivers to be prepared for winter driving and offers a detailed list of winter driving tips. Drivers can follow these four tips for a safe winter commute:
Winterizing Your Vehicle Your vehicle should be properly equipped for winter driving conditions and for potential emergencies. While drivers are advised to keep their vehicles in top operating condition all year round, it is especially important to get vehicles winterized. Read your owner’s manual and check the following: tire pressure, defroster & heater, battery & lights, motor oil, antifreeze, belts, hoses, filters, brakes, brake fluid, wiper blades, and windshield washer fluid. A kit with extra provisions is also encouraged.
Winterize Your Home Below is a useful graphic to help winterize your home and stay safe during the winter months:
Click here to visit the Office of Emergency Management Winter Weather Preparedness website for additional information. Community Events Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: 65 Years of Alaska Photojournalism Join in a celebration of a collective 65 years of Anchorage Daily News photojournalism. Visual journalists and West Anchorage neighbors Bob Hallinen and Erik Hill will show photos and talk about their combined 65 years of photography at ADN. This event is free and open to the public!
When: Thursday, November 15th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Where: King Street Brewing Company, 9050 King St. Visit the Facebook event page for more information and to RSVP. Art Exhibit: A Year of Residencies When: Friday, November 16th from 6:00 – 9:00 PM Where: Church of Love Spenard, 3502 Spenard Rd. Visit the Facebook event page for more information and to RSVP. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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