PoliticsAnchorage · January 15, 2026
Safety money pulled back
The state redirected nearly $20 million meant for pedestrian safety projects on Anchorage's most dangerous roads.
Daily Alaska staff · January 15, 2026 · Anchorage
The state of Alaska has pulled back nearly $20 million in funding earmarked for safety improvements on some of Anchorage's most dangerous roads, according to Alaska Public Media. The funding was intended to pay for safer crossings, better lighting and traffic changes on high-speed corridors where pedestrian crashes are common.
Over the last two years, 30 people have been killed while walking in Anchorage, many of them on the same high-speed corridors the funding was meant to address. Traffic volumes and speeds have continued to rise even as the pedestrian safety projects are now on hold.
State legislators are pushing back against the decision, arguing that Anchorage cannot afford delays while people are still being struck and killed on city roads. For residents who walk, bike or ride the bus, the funding determines whether planned safety upgrades move forward or remain stalled.
In this story
Questions people ask
How much safety money did the state pull from Anchorage?
Nearly $20 million meant for pedestrian safety upgrades on dangerous roads.
How many pedestrians have been killed in Anchorage recently?
30 people have died walking in the city over the last two years.
What would that money have paid for?
Safer crossings, better lighting and traffic changes on high-speed corridors where pedestrian crashes are common.
Who is fighting the funding pullback?
State legislators, who argue Anchorage can't afford delays while people are still being hit.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- The state pulled back nearly $20 million in funding for pedestrian safety improvements on some of Anchorage's deadliest roads. · alaskapublic.org
- Anchorage recorded 30 pedestrian deaths over the last two years. · alaskapublic.org
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