PROGRESS: DOTPF driving a number of projects in the Mat-Su

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or DOTPF, is in the design and planning stages of constructing a new roadway in downtown Wasilla, including Main Street and nearby roadways. The road would ease traffic off Knik-Goose Bay road and Main Street, as well as make enhancements to the Parks Highway within the project area.

The project is federally funded in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, according to the public works office at Wasilla city hall. The purpose is to “increase traffic circulation, decrease delays, increase north-south corridor connectivity” as stated on the Wasilla main street project site. Other goals include decreasing traffic congestion in the area and reducing accident rates. The project will take about two years, and according to Project Manager Kelly Summers, construction is projected to start in the spring of 2020.

A variety of options were considered, including an overpass, or expanding the roads to include at least three lanes. The decision for this one-way couplet roadway was made as it could be built with the lowest price, and without having to affect businesses if the road was expanded to be a three or five lane road. The current option is being tested so that it can be most effective and safer than the roads that are currently in place.

DOTPF has been consulting with the City of Wasilla on the need for potential changes to the design, in order for the project plan to be on par with standards and regulations. Currently, environmental assessments are being investigated to assess the impact of the changes that the project would bring.

Breanna Mahoney, Environmental Analyst, said “the project looks at various NEPA environmental effects as required by federal law; Things such as water quality and air quality. There are about 20 variables that are looked into, and various impacts of the project.” NEPA, or National Environmental Policy Act, is a federal law that dictates that environmental impact is considered, and documents are drawn up to justify projects. Studies are conducted to look at different factors such as right of way, and if businesses are impacted.

There have been several project meetings, with encouragement for public comment by way of Email: info@wasillamainstreetproject.com

Suzanne Fonova studies journalism at University of Alaska Anchorage. She lives in Wasilla