Some area road projects winding up, others ongoing

WASILLA — The end of summer is near, but the orange glare from road construction signs still through local windshields.

There are several major road construction projects underway in the Mat-Su Valley, and some of the most substantial changes will take place along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, said Dave Filucci, a project engineer for the state Department of Transportation. The project consists of two phases. Phase one focuses on creating four signalized intersections located at Hyer Road, Hemmer Road, Wagon Road and Equestrian Street.

“It’s going to affect the dynamics of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway,” Filucci said. “But it will make it a safer highway.”

Commuters on the highway will be spaced out in groups rather than in one solid line of traffic, he said. Also, traffic from side streets will be able to turn onto the highway, minimizing the chance for frustrated drivers to bolt into heavy traffic. This will help reduce the occurrence of right-angle collisions that are often seen at busy intersections.

Quality Asphalt Paving has contracted to complete the roadwork, Filucci said. While there are other costs associated with the project, the QAP contract amounts to $4.6 million. Diamond Electric also has a major role in the signalization of the intersections.

“The projects are going well,” he said. “They have a very aggressive schedule and we’re really impressed with the progress.”

According to a DOT Design Study Report, phase one of area road construction also includes creating a signalized intersection at Vine Road and the Parks Highway. Both areas experience high volumes of traffic and these changes will provide steady traffic flow and safer travels for motorists, the report says. Phase two of the project will add more traffic signals to the Palmer-Wasilla Highway at Shoreline Drive, Shennum Spur, Golden Hills Drive and Arabian Drive.

A good portion of phase one roadwork will be completed by the end of September, but projects will continue next year with a tentative completion date of Aug. 15, 2008, Filucci said. There is a a lot of work still ahead, but it will halt for the holiday weekend, which is the same case for Crusey Street upgrades and the Parks Highway resurfacing project.

“After the holiday we plan to finish paving Crusey,” said Todd Smith, a DOT project manager. “We’re really trying to get these projects done before the snow flies.”

With Crusey nearing completion, local drivers will enjoy a smooth ride and uninterrupted travels by the end of September, Smith said

For more information about local road construction call the DOT hotline at 357-0511 or visit www.dot.state.ak.us.

Contact Chris Gillow at 352-2284 or chris.gillow@frontiersman.com.