Parks Hwy MP 231 Enhancements - Open Comment Period

Project #: Z612990000/0A44020

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is soliciting comments and information for a proposed project to construct highway, intersection, and pedestrian improvements near milepost (MP) 231 of the Parks Highway to enhance safety and accommodations for motorized and non-motorized traffic near McKinley Village. The project will address pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns surrounding the Parks HighwayMP 231 area and the Nenana River Bridge, as well as improve safety for motorists by reducing the risk of conflict between through traffic and turning traffic.

Improvements will include reconstruction of the Parks Highway from MP 229.7 to 232.3, a pedestrian underpass, auxiliary turn lanes, pedestrian paths, a new National Park Service rest area, and replacement of the Nenana River Bridge No. 694 near MP 231 to accommodate turn lanes, 8-ft shoulders, and a pedestrian walkway.

At present there are no turn lanes for the facilities at MP 231 or the Village View subdivision located near MP 231, resulting in potential conflicts between 65 mph through traffic and turning traffic. This risk is exacerbated at MP 231 due to a 6% grade immediately south of the intersection as well as a 3% grade to the north.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated November 3, 2017, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.

This project is being developed in accordance with the following Executive Orders (E.O.):
EO 11990 Notice of Wetland Involvement,
EO12898 Environmental Justice,
EO 11593 Protection and Enhancement of Cultural Resources,
EO11988 Floodplain Management, 
and EO13112 Invasive Species, as amended by EO 13751.

To submit comments, please contact Carl Heim, Engineer/Architect, at (907) 451-5359 or carl.heim@alaska.gov. You may also fax your correspondence to (907) 451-5126. Comments may be submitted until December 21, 2019.

DOT&PF operates all programs without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin. Full Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy: dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml.