Drivers should be cautious of others, construction

  • Saturday, June 11, 2016 7:10pm
  • Opinion

There are two seasons in Alaska, the saying goes — winter and construction.

While winter wasn’t much to speak of, the central Kenai Peninsula is without a doubt in the throes of construction season, with multiple projects already underway or soon to be started in the Kenai-Soldotna area.

Indeed, road work is happening all across the Kenai Peninsula this summer.

For peninsula drivers, that means it’s time to take a deep breath, because it very well might take a few extra minutes to get where you’re going from now until things freeze up again next fall.

When you’re in a construction zone, remember to use caution and follow flaggers’ directions. They are there for a reason — to keep drivers and construction workers safe.

For up to date information about road conditions and construction delays, check 511.alaska.gov before heading out.

While we’re on the topic of roads, now is a good time for a reminder that we’re about to start sharing our roads with a whole lot more users.

In addition to the visitors who are flocking to the peninsula from across the state and around the world, there are plenty of other people getting out on the roads.

Motorcyclists who have been itching for a ride are revving up their machines.

Bicycling continues to grow in popularity, both as a mode of transportation for the daily commute and as a way to get some exercise.

Summer driving on peninsula roads requires just as much caution and attention as winter driving, if not more so.

In fact, there already have been a number of serious motor vehicle accidents this season, and we hope to avoid any more.

If you do happen to get caught up in summer traffic, we offer this advice, paraphrased from Thomas Jefferson: When frustrated with slow traffic, count to 10; when very frustrated, count 100.

We wish safe travels to everyone this spring and summer.

Whether you’re traveling by motor vehicle or human power, learn and follow the rules of the road. Remember, a little courtesy and patience go a long way in making sure everybody gets where they’re going, and it’s better to get there late than not to get there at all.

More in Opinion

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, addresses a crowd with President-elect Donald Trump present. (Photo from U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan’s office)
Opinion: Sen. Sullivan’s Orwellian style of transparency

But even if he thinks it’s wrong, his commitment to self-censoring all criticism of Trump will prevent him from telling us

Rep. Sarah Vance, candidate for State House District 6, participates in a candidate forum hosted by the Peninsula Clarion and KBBI 890 AM at the Homer Public Library in Homer, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Point of View: Vance out of touch in plea to ‘make more babies’

In order to, as she states, “make more babies,” women have to be healthy and supported.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a press conference March 16, 2024, at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: A budget that chooses the right policies and priorities

Alaska is a land of unmatched potential and opportunity. It always has… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy explains details of his proposed state budget for next year during a press conference Dec. 12, 2014, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Governor fails at leadership in his proposed budget

It looks like he is sticking with the irresponsible approach

Former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire in May 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: A viable option: A railroad extension from the North Slope

It is very difficult for this former banker to contemplate amortizing an $11 billion project with over less than half a million Alaska ratepayers

Therese Lewandowski. (Photo provided)
Point of View: Inflation, hmmm

Before it’s too late and our history gets taken away from us, everyone should start studying it

A state plow truck clears snow from the Kenai Spur Highway on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Use of the brine shows disregard for our community

It is very frustrating that the salt brine is used on the Kenai Peninsula often when it is not needed

A cherished "jolly Santa head" ornament from the Baisden Christmas tree. (Photo provided)
Opinion: Reflections of holidays past

Our family tradition has been to put up our Christmas tree post-Thanksgiving giving a clear separation of the holidays

Screenshot. (https://dps.alaska.gov/ast/vpso/home)
Opinion: Strengthening Alaska’s public safety: Recent growth in the VPSO program

The number of VPSOs working in our remote communities has grown to 79

Soldotna City Council member Linda Farnsworth-Hutchings participates in the Peninsula Clarion and KDLL candidate forum series, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Soldotna Public Library in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: I’m a Soldotna Republican and will vote No on 2

Open primaries and ranked choice voting offer a way to put power back into the hands of voters, where it belongs

Nick Begich III campaign materials sit on tables ahead of a May 16, 2022, GOP debate held in Juneau. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: North to a Brighter Future

The policies championed by the Biden/Harris Administration and their allies in Congress have made it harder for us to live the Alaskan way of life

Shrubs grow outside of the Kenai Courthouse on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Vote yes to retain Judge Zeman and all judges on your ballot

Alaska’s state judges should never be chosen or rejected based on partisan political agendas