Thanks very much to Joe Page for his letter of Jan. 7, “Plow the roads completely.” He focused on just one continuing shortcoming in state and municipal roadway snow removal. He mentioned narrow curb lanes on East Northern Lights Boulevard, but I would add some spots along West Northern Lights between C Street and Spenard Road. I would also add along La Touche between Northern Lights and 36th Avenue. And how about the perennial favorite, much of Lake Otis Parkway?
There are also other spots around town. Why supervisors in their pickup trucks miss or ignore equipment operators’failure to plow adequately is a mystery; or perhaps it’s due to indifference or a lack of training.
The problem begins with the first plowing after the first snowfall. At that time, plows should work clear to the curb.
Each subsequent storm plowing should also reach clear to the curb. That would keep curb lanes at full width and safe for drivers. If it means additional snow hauling from the side of the roadway, then that’s what it takes to adequately serve the public and should be done.
Recent apologists in these columns for the mayor’s and governor’s snow removal teams are generally rhetorical and add nothing to the need for specific remedial action. Adequate budgeting, training, and on-the-street supervision need improvement to appropriately serve motorists, both private and commercial. With winter at about the halfway point, the curb lane issue will only grow worse if not addressed.
— Tim Benintendi
Anchorage
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