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Planning Commission Approves University Avenue South Bicycle‑Pedestrian Facility
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve DOT's University Avenue South bicycle and pedestrian facility project, a repave and add a 10‑foot shared-use path to connect the East Ramp airport area to the existing nonmotorized network.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission voted 9–0 on June 10 to approve the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ University Avenue South bicycle and pedestrian facility (HP2025‑02), recommending the project as consistent with the borough’s Regional Comprehensive Plan.
The project will repave University Avenue South from Mitchell Expressway to Armistead Way, add drainage improvements, signage and striping, and construct a 10‑foot wide shared bike/ped facility with a five‑foot painted buffer adjacent to the travel lanes. John Netardis, highway design manager at DOT, presented the project and described the typical section: two 12‑foot travel lanes, a 4‑foot paved shoulder on the north side and a 10‑foot shared use lane with a 5‑foot painted buffer on the south side.
Why it matters: the facility will create an ADA‑compliant nonmotorized link between the East Ramp airport area and the borough’s existing trail network, reducing the pavement drop‑off currently hazardous to cyclists and pedestrians.
Design and concerns: DOT representatives said the design avoids right‑of‑way acquisition and does not include physical separators (bollards or posts); striping and signs will identify the facility as a bike path. Commissioners sought clarity on crossing controls and snow‑clearing; DOT staff said crossings were not included in the design study and that the painted buffer was chosen for drainage and utility constraints and for snow‑clearing practicality. The staff report recommended approval as consistent with Comprehensive Plan transportation goals to improve safety and integrate multiuse circulation.
Outcome and next steps: The commission’s motion to approve adopted staff’s findings of fact and the planning department’s recommendation. Staff noted there were no public commenters at the hearing and no right‑of‑way acquisitions are required. The approved design will proceed to final design and construction procurement by DOT.
Ending: Commissioners urged DOT to consider additional signage or marked crossings at high‑use locations and to monitor winter use, especially snowmachine interactions on flat nonmotorized space.
