Knik-Goose Bay Road updates begin with paving

WASILLA — Long-awaited construction to widen Knik-Goose Bay Road into a four-lane divided highway began on May 15 with paving to fill in ruts and restore smooth road surfaces for drivers along KGB. With KGB prioritized by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the summer road construction is welcome among residents who have waited for road improvements for years.

“I began my commitment to fix Knik Goose Bay Road over 10 years ago when I was a member of Wasilla City Council, and I carried that commitment with me to the legislature and worked tirelessly with my colleagues and Governor Dunleavy to make KGB a priority,” said Rep. Colleen Sullivan-Leonard (R-Wasilla). “KGB’s designation as one of Alaska’s deadliest corridors has gone on too long. Following our KGB town hall in December 2019, we heard loud and clear the voices of families directly affected. I know I can speak for many of my constituents in saying that there will be a huge sigh of relief on Friday once construction on this project begins.”

The KGB project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 will begin from Centaur Avenue to Fairview Loop and is funded by the federal government. Phase 2 stretches from Fairview Loop to Settler’s Bay Drive and is anticipated to start in 2023 funded by a combination of Federal and State monies. On February 19, an informational meeting was held for property owners and those who are dealing with right of way acquisition.

“I’m proud to see the dirt is finally moving and I am confident that the folks who use this road will finally start to feel safer,” said Rep. Mark Neuman.

“I am also proud to have worked alongside others in the Mat-Su delegation on this project, particularly with Representatives Cathy Tilton and Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, who worked hard to ensure that the $2 million was available to start this project.”

According to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities website, the project is 75 percent complete and potentially impacted property owners can expect to be contacted this year.

“This project will add capacity and correct problems created by unconstrained access, thereby improving safety and reducing congestion. The project will be designed to accommodate both current needs and projected future traffic volumes,” reads the project overview.

Construction will continue through the summer with additional right of way acquisitions, movement of utilities and final design processes expected to be completed this year.