The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proposing to repair and upgrade existing segments of the shared-use paths located along Birch Hill Road located in Fairbanks and Hurst Road located in North Pole (Figures 1 and 2).

Work on the Birch Hill Road path will begin at Fairhill Road and end shortly after the curve where the road and path are no longer adjacent to the Steese Highway. Areas that have experienced settlement will be raised and resurfaced and additional embankment fill will be placed in these areas to be consistent with existing grade. Drainage improvements include new culvert installations and ditch regrading where feasible to minimize ponding. The project will widen and regrade the path shoulders where possible. Vegetation clearing will be done along the length of the path.

Work on the Hurst Road shared-use path will begin at Badger Road and end at Nelson Road. The proposed work includes rebuilding the shoulders and paving of approaches to prevent future erosion. Drainage improvements include culvert cleaning, extension, or replacement as needed. Pavement will be repaired where culverts are replaced and where the asphalt has been damaged. Vegetation clearing will occur along the length of the path.

All project activities will take place within the existing DOT&PF right-of-way. Materials for this project will be contractor furnished.

DOT&PF is currently working on conceptual designs, engineering, and environmental studies. Construction is currently planned for summer 2027.

This project is being developed in accordance with the following Executive Orders (EO):

EO 11990, Notice of Wetland Involvement
EO 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment
EO 11988, Floodplain Management
EO 13112, as amended by EO 13751, Invasive Species

For further information regarding the project, or to submit comments, contact:

Ivet Hall, P.E., Engineering Manager
2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709-5316
Telephone: (907) 451-5386
Email: dot.ivethall@alaska.gov

Comments may be submitted until March 20, 2026

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