Anchorage area commutes below national average
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Dennis DeWinter's workday typically begins around 6 a.m., when he leaves his home in Palmer to catch the ride-share program van for a 45-mile drive into Anchorage for his job at a printing company.
The number of workers 16 and older who carpool or take public transit to work in the Anchorage area takes a back seat to those who commute alone, according to U.S. Census numbers.
Commuter data compiled by The Associated Press looked at U.S. metro areas with at least 100,000 people.
The state transportation department is working to widen a section of road known for bottlenecks on the Glenn Highway heading out of Anchorage, near the suburb of Eagle River, to keep up with current demands, department spokeswoman Shannon McCarthy said.
The municipality of Anchorage in recent years has added turn pockets and made other improvements at busier areas, and it is assessing delays and congestion at intersections to see how existing systems are working, city transportation planning manager Craig Lyon said.
Lyon said that with the advent of fat-tire bikes, which help provide stability in icy, snowy conditions, more people are commuting by bike year-round.
[...] jumping on the bike is a great way to start the day, she said, and she likes to take a longer, more scenic route home.