Fairbanks Noble Street Upgrade project area.

Fairbanks Noble Street Upgrade

Purpose of Reconstruction

As part of the continuing downtown revitalization effort, the City of Fairbanks and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) are working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to improve traffic and pedestrian circulation and the general appearance of downtown streets. The Fairbanks Noble Street Upgrade project is part of this effort.

The Fairbanks Noble Street Upgrade will improve traffic flow and aesthetics from Gaffney Road to 1st Avenue on Noble Street while retaining three lanes throughout (one driving lane in each direction plus a center left turn lane). Construction of the project would also improve accessibility and vehicle/pedestrian safety on Noble Street. DOT&PF is proposing to:

  • Reconstruct the roadway
  • Provide ADA compliant sidewalks throughout the corridor
  • Add curb extensions (bulb-outs) to selected intersections
  • Reduce the posted speed limit to 25 mph
  • Replace aging storm drains
  • Upgrade signal systems at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th Avenue intersections
  • Add streetscape and landscape improvements
  • Replace outdated street lighting
  • Relocate power poles, streetlights, and fire hydrants to the back of the sidewalks where feasible.

In June 2005, newsletters were distributed regarding improvements to both Noble and Lacey Streets from 1st Avenue to 12th Avenue. Due to funding constraints, Lacey Street has been dropped from this project. However, the work on Noble Street has been extended further south, to Gaffney Road.

Right-of-Way and Access

Partial Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition and permanent easements will be required along the corridor for sidewalk improvements, signs, utility relocations, relocated power, light and street poles. New sidewalks are required where none currently exist and improvements are needed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for slope and width.