Last winter in Anchorage, Alaska, was a record one for snowfall. Municipal officials say about 700 million pounds of snow were removed from city streets, sidewalks and pedestrian paths — roughly 318,000 tonnes. That enormous amount of work was a serious test for city services, but city administration estimates they handled the task much better than in previous snowy seasons.
A key measure of effectiveness was the speed of clearing. According to the municipal plan, the goal for crews is to complete primary clearing of all city streets within 84 hours after a snowfall. This winter the standard was met in four out of six cases, which officials say is a marked improvement. Time to clear 270 miles of pedestrian routes was also cut in half — from 110 hours to less than 60.
Improvements were made possible by addressing several systemic issues. First, staffing shortages in the road crew were virtually eliminated: the vacancy rate fell from 26% to a steady 4%. Second, after voters approved a special targeted bond, the city bought 11 new pieces of heavy equipment. Such budget votes to fund capital expenses are held regularly in Anchorage. Third, agreements were made that provided an additional 14 acres of land for snow storage, speeding up the removal process.
Despite successes, problem areas remain. In particular, residents and officials continue to complain about the condition of sidewalks along major highways. Those sections are under the jurisdiction of the State of Alaska, not the city, because the highways are part of the state transportation system overseen by the Alaska Department of Transportation. This division of responsibilities — where the city manages local streets and the state handles major highways — is typical for most cities in Alaska and other states. Anchorage municipal authorities do not have the authority to clear snow on those stretches, which creates difficulties for pedestrians. Some city assembly members have proposed exploring the possibility of bringing those areas under municipal control.
Mayor Susanna LaFrance’s administration, elected in 2023, says many priority tasks, including the promised improvements to snow removal, have been addressed. Her campaign also included strengthening public safety, addressing homelessness, supporting small businesses and increasing municipal transparency. Staffing has been reinforced, the equipment fleet updated and communications improved. However, further significant progress will likely require additional funding for road services.
With spring’s arrival, city crews have shifted from snow removal to road repair. More than 1,200 potholes have already been filled, and work continues in anticipation of next winter. In total, about 10,000 damaged pavement sections are planned to be repaired by fall.
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