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Planning Commission recommends FAST 2026 package; 14 small safety and paving projects totaling $3.1M
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 9–0 to recommend approval of HP2026‑005, the FAST Improvement Program, a 14‑project package of low‑cost safety, paving and pedestrian improvements across the borough with an estimated total cost of $3,100,000; some projects are slated for 2026 construction while many will move to 2027.
The Planning Commission on April 14 recommended approval of HP2026‑005, the Fairbanks Area FAST (Flexible, Affordable, Safety‑focused Transportation) Improvement Program, after a staff presentation and extended Q&A with DOT designers.
Donald Galligan (staff) presented the package of 14 geographically dispersed projects that principally include mill‑and‑repave work, gravel‑to‑pave conversions, shoulder widening, multi‑use path paving and pedestrian safety elements such as raised crosswalks and speed tables. DOT design manager John Natardis and designer Sawyer Huffman described the Trainer Gate (Trainer Gate/Neff Street) pedestrian crossing as a high priority: the recommended near‑term treatment is two raised speed tables and a raised crosswalk; additional curb extensions and a lighted crossing would need more design work, funding and railroad coordination.
Staff emphasized the program requires no right‑of‑way acquisition and is intended as non‑significant under environmental review for the stated scope. Project examples include mill-and-repave in Doyon Estates and Shannon Drive, paved access into Birch Hill parking, paving in Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, widening pedestrian/bicycle paths at University of Alaska Fairbanks (to 10 feet), and pedestrian crossings in North Pole (Old Richardson). The staff‑reported total construction cost for the 14 projects was $3,100,000.
Commissioners pressed staff on details including exact project extents (e.g., Cary Avenue), snow‑removal and maintenance impacts for raised features and potential hazards of installing Jersey barriers on the tight Scarlyn Trail right‑of‑way. DOT said the initial Trainer Gate work will focus on speed tables while staff continue evaluating larger treatments (signals, curb extensions) with the railroad and municipal partners. Staff noted FAST Planning’s bylaws target about 20% of funding toward pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Commissioner Muehling moved to recommend that the Assembly find HP2026‑005 consistent with the comprehensive plan and adopt staff findings; the motion passed 9–0.
Why it matters: The FAST package funds near‑term safety improvements across borough neighborhoods and university areas at a modest cost while emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Several projects will require additional design or funding before full implementation.
What’s next: The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Assembly and implementation scheduling will depend on environmental clearances, design completion and interagency agreements (railroad/city/military where applicable).
