Non-Motorized Transportation Planning

Non-motorized transportation projects are an important aspect of providing a safe, efficient, secure, and interconnected multi-modal transportation system for all users in the FMATS area. FMATS attempts to incorporate a "Complete Street" concept, in which all modes of transportation are considered, in each specific project.

FMATS Bikeways Map 4mb

Non-Motorized Transportation Plan

FMATS has just completed the area's first Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP). Our vision for the NMTP includes the implementation of approximately 4 miles of shared-use paths, 8 road-miles of shoulders, 10 road-miles of sidewalks, signs and/or pavement markings on 17 miles of lower volume and lower speed roadways; and improvements at over 14 crossings to improve pedestrian and/or bicyclist comfort and safety.

Specific goals, existing conditions, recommendations, and an extensive implementation plan are outlined in the NMTP final report. Please contact Donna Gardino, MPO Coordinator, with any questions.

Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP) 12mb

Current Non-Motorized Transportation Projects within FMATS

Birch Hill Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility – Construct a bike/pedestrian facility along Birch Hill Road to allow safe access to the Birch Hill Recreational Trail System. More information on the Birch Hill Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility project is available here

Gold Hill Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility – This project is intended to construct a bicycle/pedestrian facility along Gold Hill Road. More information on the Gold Hill Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility project is available here

North Pole Bike Path Rehabilitation/Connections – This project will connect and rehabilitate existing bicycle paths throughout the City of North Pole. This project is currently in the design phase with construction planned for the summer of 2012. More information on the North Pole Bike Path Rehabilitation/Connections project is available here

North Pole Interchange Pedestrian Facilities – This project will construct pedestrian facilities along St. Nicholas Drive between Dawson Interchange and the Santa's Village Project, and along 8th Avenue from the St. Nicholas intersection to the existing gravel path. Currently this project is in the design phase, with construction expected in 2014. More information on the North Pole Interchange Pedestrian Facilities is available here

Plack Road Bike/Pedestrian Facility – This project will construct a bicycle and pedestrian facility along Plack Road from Badger Road to Nelson Road. Currently this project is in the environmental study phase with final design scheduled for 2012. More information on the Plack Road Bike/Pedestrian Facilities is available here

City of Fairbanks Curb Corner and Sidewalk Upgrades – This project will upgrade sidewalk corners and sidewalks within City limits so they are in compliance with the requirements of the ADA. This is the first stage of a two stage project was constructed in the summer of 2011 and the second stage will be constructed in the summer of 2012. These projects addressed locations in the Weeks Fields area, the Downtown area, the Aurora Subdivision, the Island Homes Subdivision, and the Fairbanks Town Site.

Chena Small Tracts Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities – This project will construct a bicycle and pedestrian facility to accommodate safer multi-modal travel along or adjacent to Chena Small Tracts Road. This project is currently in the environmental study phase and is a state-funded project.

Yankovich/Miller Hill Road Multi-Use Pathway – This project will construct a separated bicycle/pedestrian trail along Yankovich and Miller Hill Roads in the Farmers Loop/University of Alaska area. Current funding will only extend the new path to Dalton Trail, but additional funding is being sought to complete the project down Yankovich and Miller Hill Road to Sheep Creek Road. There will be right-of-way needs for this project in the future and construction is expected to occur in the summer of 2014.

Gillam Way Rehabilitation – This project will rehabilitate Gillam Way from Airport Way to 20th Avenue including constructing a continuous sidewalk. This project is currently in the preliminary engineering phase.

Illinois Street Reconstruction – This project will reconstruct Illinois Street from First Avenue to College Road and construct a new section of Barnette Street from First Avenue North to Illinois Street. Reconstructing pedestrian facilities will be included in this project, which is expected to begin construction in the summer 2012. More information on the Illinois Street Reconstruction project is available here

Noble Street Upgrades – This project will reconstruct Noble Street from 1st Avenue to Gaffney Road including improvements to sidewalks, and curb corners. Construction of this project is planned for 2014.

South Cushman – This project will reconstruct South Cushman from 15 Street to the Mitchell Expressway including new curb and gutter, sidewalks, and pedestrian lighting. This project is currently in the design phase with construction planned for 2015.

Wendell Street ADA – This project will improve and bring pedestrian facilities up to ADA standards along Wendell Street. This project was completed in the summer of 2011.

Wendell Avenue Bridge – This project will rehabilitate or replace the Wendell Street Bridge including widened sidewalks and provide pedestrian facilities along the north side under the bridge. This project will begin design in 2012.

Cushman, Barnette and Gaffney Upgrades – This project will upgrade Cushman, Barnette and Gaffney including upgrades to non-motorized transportation facilities within a "complete street" concept. This project is set to begin design later this year.

Planning for Operations

FMATS Seasonal Mobility Task Force Mobility Recommendations Report:
      Winter 2009 – 2010 3mb

The Winter Mobility Task Force was formed following a Sidewalk Summit meeting hosted by the City of Fairbanks in January 2009. The request came from the FMATS Policy Committee for this Task Force to broaden its focus to address improving mobility year-round. The Task Force was charged with exploring the overall issues surrounding mobility and strategizing solutions.

Task Force participants include representatives from the Maintenance and Operations Departments from each of the responsible agencies along with individuals from the FNSB School District Facilities Maintenance, Festival Fairbanks, the Downtown Association, Access Alaska, FMATS and FNSB MACS Transit and Air Quality divisions.

Winter maintenance is a priority issue for FMATS due to federal regulatory mandates, ongoing receipt of public complaints, and concerns voiced by senior and disabled advocacy groups. Federal regulations require maintenance on all facilities constructed with federal funding. Public complaints received can be summarized as a general concern that pedestrian travel in the winter is inconvenient, unsafe, and sometimes even impossible.

Task Force Goals:

• Consistent year-round routine maintenance that is above and beyond compliance with ADA standards on facilities throughout the FMATS pedestrian network
• Preservation of the existing pedestrian network through preventive
• Rehabilitation and expansion of the FMATS pedestrian network to provide for safe access for ALL users
• Increased user confidence in pedestrian safety and accessibility