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Anchorage advances Vision Zero, DOT partnership and neighborhood greenways after pedestrian fatality spike
Summary
Municipal traffic engineers described Vision Zero and a ‘safe system’ approach after a pedestrian fatality spike; staff are coordinating closely with Alaska DOT, completing speed and lighting studies, advancing neighborhood greenways and joining the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) for design guidance.
Brad Coy, Anchorage traffic engineer, briefed the Executive Council on municipal efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries through Vision Zero principles and a safe‑system approach.
Coy said 2024 had the highest number of traffic fatalities in the previous decade and that 15 pedestrian deaths in 2024 were the highest in roughly 30 years. To respond, the municipality and the Alaska Department of Transportation convened a multi‑agency task force that prepared a report and a six‑month update, and staff are conducting lighting evaluations, speed‑limit studies, signal‑timing changes and public‑education work.
Coy emphasized the importance of working with state DOT because about 85% of Anchorage’s arterials are state facilities; he said municipal staff have prioritized interventions on arterials and are also advancing neighborhood greenways to improve non‑motorized travel and connect safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians. Anchorage has joined NACTO as an affiliated city to access peer resources and influence national design guidance, Coy added.
Why it matters: Traffic fatalities and pedestrian deaths rose sharply in 2024; officials said coordinated engineering, enforcement, education and partnerships with DOT are essential to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.
