Courtesy, patience go a long way on Peninsula roads

  • Thursday, April 17, 2014 8:45pm
  • Opinion

Winter’s grip is receding around the central Kenai Peninsula, which means it’s time for that other season we have here in Alaska — construction.

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.

There are a number of road projects slated for this summer across the Kenai Peninsula — some already under way. Remember to use caution in construction zones 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 will start flocking to the Peninsula in the coming weeks, there are plenty of other people getting out on what are quickly becoming ice-free 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. Runners and walkers are emerging from winter hibernation, and many will have kids or pets in tow.

Indeed, summer driving on Peninsula roads requires just as much caution and attention as winter driving, if not more so.

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.

More in Opinion

This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. Pending recounts could determine who will spend time in the building as part of the new state Legislature. Recounts in two Anchorage-area legislative races are scheduled to take place this week, a top state elections official said Tuesday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: 8 lawmakers upheld public trust

38 representatives and all Alaska senators voted to confirm Handeland

tease
Opinion: The open primary reflects the voting preferences of Alaska Native communities

We set out to analyze the results of that first open primary election in 2022, to let the facts speak for themselves

Priya Helweg is the acting regional director and executive officer for the Region 10 Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Opinion: Delivering for people with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to make sure everyone has access to important services and good health care

Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Voter tidbit: What’s on the local ballot?

City and borough elections will take place on Oct. 1

An array of stickers awaits voters on Election Day 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: The case for keeping the parties from controlling our elections

Neither party is about to admit that the primary system they control serves the country poorly

Voters fill out their ballots at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Voter tidbit: Important information about voting in the upcoming elections

Mark your calendar now for these upcoming election dates!

Larry Persily (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: State’s ‘what if’ lawsuit doesn’t much add up

The state’s latest legal endeavor came July 2 in a dubious lawsuit — with a few errors and omissions for poor measure

The entrance to the Homer Electric Association office is seen here in Kenai, Alaska, on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion file)
Opinion: Speak up on net metering program

The program allows members to install and use certain types of renewable generation to offset monthly electric usage and sell excess power to HEA

Gov. Mike Dunleavy signs bills for the state’s 2025 fiscal year budget during a private ceremony in Anchorage on Thursday, June 25, 2024. (Official photo from The Office of the Governor)
Alaska’s ‘say yes to everything’ governor is saying ‘no’ to a lot of things

For the governor’s purposes, “everything” can pretty much be defined as all industrial development

Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. board members, staff and advisors meet Oct. 30, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: The concerns of reasonable Alaskans isn’t ‘noise’

During a legislative hearing on Monday, CEO Deven Mitchell referred to controversy it’s created as “noise.”

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Crime pays a lot better than newspapers

I used to think that publishing a quality paper, full of accurate, informative and entertaining news would produce enough revenue to pay the bills

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo
Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom addresses the crowd during an inaugural celebration for her and Gov. Mike Dunleavy at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Jan. 20, 2023.
Opinion: The many truths Dahlstrom will deny

Real conservatives wouldn’t be trashing the rule of law