Governor hosts KGB road reconstruction project groundbreaking ceremony

WASILLA — A public groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the official start of the first phase of the Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction Project Friday, Aug. 25.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson, Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford, Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, members of the Alaska Legislature’s Mat-Su Valley delegation, and others talked about the significance of this extensive project.

A memorial walk was held at the beginning of the event to honor those who died in accidents on the notorious road.

KGB is regarded as one of the most dangerous roads in Alaska. It has a fatal crash rate that’s almost four times the national average, according to a recent press release. The overarching goal of the reconstruction project is to make the road safer for everyone.

According to the press release, KGB Road will become a four-lane divided roadway featuring wider shoulders, bike paths, turn lanes, signalized intersections, and continuous lighting once phase one is complete.

“The work is going to continue,” Dunleavy said.

For more information, visit alaska.gov.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com