The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) proposes to realign the Richardson Highway at MP 113. A steep, unstable, 200 foot high bluff adjacent to the Copper River is eroding towards and threatening the highway facility. Project work includes reconstructing the highway to the west, drainage improvements including installing new culverts where appropriate, installation of new and replacement of existing roadside hardware such as signs and guardrail where necessary, utility relocations, vegetation clearing, and right-of-way (ROW) acquisition.
Material sites are still being explored; however, the project will most likely utilize MS 71-2-005-5 (the Tazlina M&O Pit) at MP 110 as one of the material sources for the project.
We are currently working on the conceptual design, engineering, and environmental studies, as well as soliciting public comments. Construction is currently planned for the 2030 summer season.
DOT&PF requests information and comments on resources in the project area that may be affected including historic properties, archaeological sites, wetlands, and floodplain encroachment. The following Executive Orders (EO) apply:
- EO 11990, Notice of Wetland Involvement
- EO 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment
- EO 13112, Invasive Species
Please submit comments by April 30, 2026, to:
Russ Johnson, P.E.
Engineering Manager
2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks AK 99709-5316
Telephone: (907) 451-5059
Text Telephone (TDD): 771 or 1-800-770-8973
Email: russell.johnson@alaska.gov
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by the 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 FHWA and DOT&PF.
It is the policy of 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: dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml. To file a complaint, visit dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/titlevi.shtml