Today is a Federal Holiday. That means federal and state offices, the U.S. Postal Service, and major financial institutions are closed. Borough and city offices are open.
Palmer Public Works starts work on the East Cedar Avenue Improvement Project this week. The plan began nearly two and a half years ago.
Public Works Director Jude Bilafer summed up the mood at the Department of Public Works. He says, “We are just as excited about this project as the residents who we have heard from.”
The East Cedar Avenue Improvement Project spans 500 feet, running from Alaska Street, crossing the railroad tracks and bike path to connect with South Valley Way.
The improved corridor will provide better access to downtown Palmer for both the Palmer Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers.
HDL Engineering Consultants designed the project. Dirtworks is carrying out the construction work.
The project has a $680,000 budget. It expects to be completed by September 21. A thirty-day review period follows to wrap up any remaining punch list items.
Those who walk, bike, or drive through that corridor can expect upgrades once the dust settles.
A new sidewalk will be constructed along the south edge of the road. It is designed to connect with the existing bike path network.
Bilafer was clear on that point. He said, “There will be no loss of connectivity for bikers or walkers.”
In addition to the sidewalk, a street light will be added to the corridor.
Eight decorative garden planters along the bike path on South Valley Way will be relocated south of East Cedar Avenue and aligned with the other community planters.
The work is not expected to disturb the garden plot north of East Cedar.
The railroad tracks that cross East Cedar will be cut. The grade will be reduced. Bilafer says this work will make the crossing safer for all users and easier to maintain.
The city worked closely with the Alaska Railroad to make this possible.
Bilafer noted that the city collaborated with the railroad last year to improve the rail road crossing on East Fireweed Avenue. The East Evergreen Avenue railroad crossing upgrades started this week.
Sections of track on either side of East Cedar will remain in place for historical purposes as with the East Fireweed and East Evergreen projects.
This project traces its roots back to a citizen request submitted roughly two and a half years ago.
Every submission to the Palmer Department of Public Works undergoes a review. This includes analysis of utility conflicts, right-of-way considerations, and soil suitability. Much of the analysis happens quietly behind the scenes.
The East Evergreen Bike Path next to the airport is another example of a project that began with one resident’s idea becoming a community asset.
In Palmer, it turns out, speaking up works.
Map is from Cedar Avenue Improvements. Addendum 01.
A red flag warning is in effect from 1 p.m. today through 1 p.m. tomorrow due to possible thunderstorms from Palmer north along the Parks Highway to Chultina, along the Denali Highway and western Susitna Valley including Skwenta. See weather.gov/anchorage for the map.
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This Page Two article was reported by – Emily Forstner and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
Photo by Emily Forstner for Big Cabbage Radio: Donnie Yancey with Premier Construction Surveys locates lines and elevation for the East Cedar Avenue Improvement Project.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday June 19, 2026.