Alaska Highway Gerstle River Bridge #520 Replacement
     Project Number NFHWY00653/0A22(009)

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is soliciting comments on the proposed Alaska Highway Gerstle River Bridge Replacement project. DOT&PF plans to replace the historic Gerstle River Bridge (#0520) at MP 1393 of the Alaska Highway. Project activities include replacing the bridge, grade raise and embankment widening leading up to the bridge crossing, pavement resurfacing and striping, drainage improvements including ditching, grading and replacing damaged or undersized culverts and installing new culverts, replacing signs and guardrail, a detour bridge and alignment, vegetation clearing, and utility relocations. Encroachments in the Gerstle and Little Gerstle River floodplains are anticipated.

The following material sources are anticipated to be made available to the contractor:

• MS 62-3-073-2 Little Gerstle River Pit (MP 1389)
• MS 62-3-076-2 Gerstle River – North Pit (MP 1393, in river)
• MS 62-3-037-2 Gerstle River – South Pit (MP 1393, in river)
• MS 62-3-077-2 Mile 1395 Pit (MP 1395)
• MS 71-0-005-2 Donnelly Quarry (MP 238 Richardson Highway)

The project construction is scheduled for Spring/Summer of 2025 or 2026

This proposed project complies with the following Executive Orders (EO):

EO 11990, Notice of Wetland Involvement
EO 12898, Environmental Justice
 EO 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment
 EO 11988, Floodplain Management
 EO 13112, Invasive Species

We are currently working on preliminary design, engineering and environmental reviews and want to ensure that all possible factors are considered. If you have any questions, or wish to submit comments, contact Sarah Schlichting, P.E., Engineering Manager, at (907) 451-2041, sarah.schlichting@alaska.gov, TTY: 711 or 1-800-770-8973, or by mail at:

Sarah Schlichting
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
2301 Peger Road
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-5316

Comments may be submitted by: May 5, 2023

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by 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.  DOT&PF operates all programs without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  Full Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy:  dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml