A vision for our city

A map shows a possible “bench road” (green line) along the northern part of Douglas Island that would allow a higher volume of traffic than the current North Douglas Highway, which has constant turnoffs onto side roads and individual driveways. The black border shows the area that has been studied for a proposed second bridge linking Juneau and Douglas Island. (Alaska State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)

By Michael Riederer

Alaska is changing quickly, and the world is moving even faster. Many Alaskans worry that if our communities do not plan ahead, we could slowly fall behind places that are growing, modernizing, and creating new opportunities. Juneau feels this more than most. It is surrounded by steep mountains, ocean, and the vast Tongass, which makes it one of the most beautiful and rugged capital cities anywhere. But this same landscape limits the city's options for keeping pace with the needs of modern life.

To stay strong for the next generation, Juneau needs practical tools that fit our terrain. One clear tool is the North Douglas Bench Road, paired with a simple second crossing that connects into it. These ideas have been studied for decades, beginning in the 1984 alternatives review and again in the 2024–25 PEL process, and the bench road consistently appears as the most feasible upland corridor for future planning.

A bench road connected to a second crossing would give Juneau something it has never fully had: a reliable, predictable way to move across Douglas Island without depending entirely on one structure. It would make travel safer, improve emergency access, ease pressure on the existing bridge, and give families and workers more dependable access to skiing, trails, and everyday activities. The Mendenhall Peninsula crossing was recently removed from consideration because of cost, but this happened without a full cost–benefit analysis, and it is reasonable for Juneau and the state to revisit the idea with community needs in mind. A road from Glacier Highway near Auke Lake, across Pederson Hill and Mendenhall Peninsula, connecting to a second crossing would not only be hidden from sight, but minimize disruption of the wetlands and privately owned lands.

This approach is not about rapid expansion or changing the character of Juneau. In fact, many residents appreciate the community exactly as it is, and that is part of what makes Juneau special. The goal instead is to make it easier for people to stay here long term. Predictable housing choices, steady year-round employment, access to childcare and small services, and confidence in winter travel all contribute to a healthy and resilient community. The bench road corridor provides space for modest and practical housing options such as cottage clusters, small multifamily homes, or modest single-family homes where the land allows. If the community chooses, a small number of deed-restricted workforce homes could help ensure that some housing remains available to people who work here throughout the year. These are simple, common tools used in many land-limited communities to keep local residents rooted in place.

Upland planning also protects existing neighborhoods. By giving Juneau a clear, well-defined corridor for future growth, it reduces pressure to add sudden density in other parts of town. It lets Juneau manage change gradually and sensibly.

It is also worth remembering that careful development in CBJ does not threaten the Tongass. The sacred forest is vast, and the upland pockets suitable for planning are extremely small in comparison. Juneau can keep its wild, rugged identity while still creating opportunities for people to live and work here without feeling forced out by limited options.

Partnership with the state will be essential. The coordinated work at Cascade Point shows that the state is willing to support transportation projects when they serve regional goals. A clear bench road and second crossing vision, centered on community stability and long-term opportunity, will give Juneau a strong case for similar support.

Juneau does not need to grow quickly. It needs to grow in a way that supports the people who call this place home, while preparing for the future Alaskans deserve. With practical planning and a focus on keeping the community strong, Juneau can remain both rugged and resilient, a place where people do not have to leave Alaska to find stability or opportunity.

• Michael Riederer is a former North Douglas resident.