Timberline Road and Drainage Improvement, Bond Proposition on Ballot
Commentary from Girdwood Board of Supervisors Briana Sullivan and Mike Edgington
Voters in Girdwood and across Anchorage will be receiving a Municipal ballot in the mail this week. This is an opportunity to elect members to the Assembly, School Board and Girdwood Board of Supervisors, but it also contains several propositions including approval to issue bonds for capital projects. One of these, Proposition 8, is for a bond to fund safety improvements to Timberline Road here in Girdwood.
What exactly is the Timberline Road Safety Project?
The Timberline Road project aims to enhance both the safety and accessibility for all road users in Girdwood, including pedestrians and cyclists. The initial section of Timberline Road to the junction with Vail Drive is one of the busiest sections of gravel road in South Central Alaska, and has to be frequently maintained due to traffic volume and road conditions.
The project will narrow and mark the vehicle lanes and broaden the shoulders, better accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, and other users, while still providing critical space for snow storage. Wider shoulders and clearer separation from vehicles will encourage alternative transportation and help promote a healthier community. Paving the vehicle lanes will control water runoff, improve drainage, and decrease potholes. This will reduce maintenance costs in the future by providing a stable foundation, making the road more durable.
The speed limit of 20mph will remain, but the project will examine enhancements to keep vehicles to safe speeds through this residential area such as additional signage, speed bumps, or other traffic calming measures.
What is the extent of the project?
The project will cover Timberline Road from Alyeska Highway to Alpina Road and extend up Vail Road to the Loveland Road intersection. This road is known for high traffic volumes, constant potholing of the gravel road surface, and drainage issues in Girdwood's rainforest.
Community input will be encouraged through the project, so residents can help by staying informed and being involved through the planning and construction process - to ensure the project meets their needs and expectations.
When will this happen?
The timeline for construction will be announced after securing all funding and finalizing construction plans, which could be as early as late this year, but more likely in 2026.
How much will it cost?
The bond is for up to $3 million, which covers the highest cost of a set of alternatives identified in the initial design. The actual costs to Girdwood taxpayers depends on which alternatives are chosen, but will not exceed an annual tax of $24.35 per $100,000 of assessed taxable property value, starting in 2026 or later.
Why does Anchorage also vote on a Girdwood bond?
While the bond is paid for by Girdwood alone, it is issued under the credit worthiness of the whole of Anchorage. So it needs to pass a vote both in Girdwood and across Anchorage as a whole.
