Anchorage To ‘Revisit’ Knik Arm Bridge

The Municipality of Anchorage has taken a large step in opposing the Knik Arm Crossing project.

Just days after an unusually large showing of community opposition to two large transportation projects, the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions’ policy committee passed a resolution raising concerns about the Knik project. It’s a rare step, and one that sets the stage for de-prioritization or elimination of the controversial bridge project down the line.

The resolution, introduced by Anchorage Assembly member Patrick Flynn, expresses reservations about the financial viability, environmental toll, and impact to community’s near the bridge’s proposed route. It asks for planners to “revisit” whether it’s worth pursuing the project as they draft the next version of a long-term transportation plan during the year ahead.

The resolution addresses community concerns without demanding a substantial revision to an interim plan, thus sidestepping a risk that Anchorage would lapse on Federal compliance standards. However, the document includes nothing about the other controversial road project brought before AMATS recently, the Bragaw Extension.