Parks Highway Alternative Corridor PEL Study survey to close July 10

As the Mat-Su Valley continues to experience a sustained population growth, so too does congestion along the city’s main corridor, the Parks Highway, create significant traffic delays during peak periods. As a result, the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has identified the need for a future alternative highway corridor in the Wasilla area of the Mat-Su Valley, building on prior planning studies.

To assess the increased traffic congestion, DOT&PF has chosen to use the Planning and Environmental (PEL) study to identify an alternative transportation corridor. The PEL process will smooth the future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and provide opportunities for public input and involvement.

This current PEL Study was preceded by several projects that sought to identify a bypass corridor around the City of Wasilla, dating back to the 1980s. Most recently, the Parks Highway Alternative Corridor Project Conceptual Planning Report published in April, 2015 explored options for relieving Parks Highway congestion through development of a Wasilla area bypass rather than through expansion of the existing Highway. The 10-year study, which included extensive public involvement, recommended 6 alternative corridor alignments for further evaluation.

Since the completion of the 2015 report, the population in the project area has continued to grow and further development has occurred. This PEL Study will provide a fresh evaluation of the existing conditions and issues, develop a clear project purpose and need, and identify alternatives that are able to be implemented to effectively permit and construct a Parks Highway Alternative Corridor.

The purpose of the Parks Highway Alternative Corridor PEL Study is to identify a feasible alternative highway corridor that will reduce existing and future traffic congestion in the Wasilla area; increase safety and mobility, improve transportation for non-motorized users, accommodate community values, and support or enhance economic, social, environmental, and energy conditions.

The project will plan for the development of an alternate highway corridor that connects to the Parks Highway between the Hyer Road Interchange and West Hawk Lane, which represents the maximum possible extent of the project.

Recently, the DOT&PF conducted its 3rd Open House and is set to close the current comment period for input on the recommended alternatives to move forward to detailed alternative analysis on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Residents can submit your comments on the alternatives using the online survey by clicking here.

This is a federally funded project led by DOT&PF.

For more information, please visit the project website at www.parkshighwayalternative.com to join the mailing update list, make a comment, or learn more about this effort.