Glenn/Parks Highway intersection nears completion

MAT-SU -- Construction of the interchange between the Glenn and Parks Highways, two of the most heavily used roads in the state, is entering its final stages, and should be routing traffic by this winter, according to accounts from the project's managers. The interchange is slated for completion in October, conforming to an estimate made by the construction company almost two years ago.

April Votemann with the Nerland Agency, speaking for Kiewit Pacific, the company handling the construction, said the project was roughly two-thirds of the way complete, and that everything was going according to plan.

"We've still got a few more phases to go, but we're definitely on the home stretch," she said.

The interchange will allow nonstop traffic into the cities of Palmer and Wasilla, as well as eliminating the troublesome at-grade railroad crossing located to the southeast of the intersection.

This project required special consideration owing to its placement among several acres of sensitive wetlands and salmon habitats. Construction crews had to obtain permits from Fish and Game to ensure the smallest possible impact on these lands.

Drivers on the Glenn near its intersection with the Parks are advised to watch for equipment and crews on the road and observe the reduced speeds limits in effect throughout the construction process. A project update from Kiewit states that the company will do its best to minimize traffic delays and to maintain access to residences and businesses in the area as the construction concludes.

Construction at and around the busy intersection of the two highways has been underway since groundbreaking in August of 2002.

Votemann said she doesn't think that the increased traffic flow the intersection experiences during the upcoming busy tourist season will create a problem.

"There's a pretty good system of dealing with traffic already in place there," she said.

The interchange was bankrolled by a $50 million congressional appropriation obtained by Sen. Ted Stevens. It was executed as a design-build project, which means the project's plans were drawn up and constructed piece by piece.

Kiewit Pacific also handled the Whittier tunnel construction.

Those seeking more information on the project should contact Jeremy Hensen with Kiewit at 746-5009 or the DOT project engineer, Bill Klebesadel, at 376-7937.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.