Request for Public Comment
FAST ADA Improvements: Shared-Use Path Resurfacing: Steese Highway, Chena Ridge Spur Road, and Phillips Field Road
Project Number: NFHWY01102

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proposing repair and upgrades to existing segments of shared-use paths, in multiple locations, in order to bring these segments into compliance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) design standards (Figure 1). The locations of the shared-use paths and their respective project corridors are as follows:

• Steese Highway, from Airport Way to Johansen Expressway (Figure 2). The proposed repair and upgrades throughout the Steese Highway project corridor will only occur on its west side and only on its existing path segments, no extensions of the shared-use path is proposed.
• Chena Ridge Spur Road, from its intersection with Chena Pump Road to its intersection with Old Chena Pump Road (Figure 3).
• Phillips Field Road, from its intersection with Peger Road and ending near Phillips Field Road’s dead-end, where the shared-use path merges with the existing shared-use path along Johansen Expressway (Figure 4).

The following actions are proposed under this project:  

 Widen the existing shared-use paths to widths of 8 to 11 feet. The existing widths of the shared-use paths range from 5 feet to 7 feet wide. In order to achieve the new pathway widths, embankment fill will need to be installed. After which, the shared-use paths will have new asphalt pavement installed.

Replace, as needed, curb ramps, approaches, curb and gutters, signage, and operable part clear spaces with ADA compliant features. Repaint pavement markings as needed.

Clear vegetation away from the shared-use paths. Most of the project pathway segments are in developed urban settings that are void of vegetation.  However, some vegetative clearing and grubbing will be needed in order to widen the shared-use paths in select areas. All clearing activities will be completed within DOT&PF ROW and within previous disturbed areas.

Material sources for this project will be contractor furnished.

DOT&PF is currently working on the preliminary engineering design and environmental reviews.  DOT&PF hopes to construct this project during the summer of 2026.

Please provide comments on this project or request additional information by October 27, 2025, to: 

Ivet Hall, P.E., Engineering Manager
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709

Phone: (907) 451-5386 or by e-mail at: ivet.hall@alaska.gov
Text Telephone (TDD): 771 or 1-800-770-8973

The project is being developed in accordance with the following Executive Orders (EO): EO 11988 (Floodplain Management); EO 11990 (Wetlands Protection); EO 12898 (Environmental Justice); EO 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment) and EO 13112 (Invasive Species).

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 April 13, 2023, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and DOT&PF.

It is the policy of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no one shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, regardless of the funding source, including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and State of Alaska funds. Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy: https://dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml. To file a complaint:  dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/titlevi.shtml