University Avenue Asphalt Surface Repairs

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SCOPE OF PROJECT: Overlay approximately two miles of University Avenue from the Mitchell Expressway to the railroad track immediately north of the Johansen Expressway/Geist Road intersection. Work will include planing, paving, and paint striping. Work will only extend to the edge of the existing roadway/curb line, and all work will be contained within the existing roadway right of way.

University Avenue asphalt surface repairs project area.

PROJECT COST: $1.4 million, contractor is Exclusive Paving

SCHEDULE: Construction will take place during the summer of 2012 and will last four – six weeks. In an effort to reduce impacts to the traveling public, surrounding residences and businesses, planning and paving activities will occur at night, with isolated roadway closures.

The project schedule will be finalized once the project is advertised and awarded, and prior to the start of construction. The finalized schedule will be posted on this website, distributed to residents and businesses in the project area and advertised through local media.

WHAT PROBLEMS WILL THIS PROJECT IMPROVE?

  • Within the projects limits the existing asphalt on University Avenue is showing distress in the form of rutting, pot holing, and alligator cracking. This project will plane the existing surface and apply an overlay that will repair and extend the service life of the roadway structure.
  • New pavement will reduce annual maintenance costs and provide an improved driving surface for the 15,000+ drivers who travel this road daily.

HOW DOES THIS PROJECT RELATE TO THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT (UAWP)?

  • This is a separate project from the UAWP. The limits of this repaving project extend beyond the limits of the UAWP.
  • This project will overlap the UAWP from Chena River Bridge, north to the Alaska Rail Road tracks, which lie immediately north of the Johansen Expressway/Geist Road Intersection. Due to the current distressed asphalt conditions on University Avenue asphalt surface repairs are needed prior to the anticipated reconstruction dates of the UAWP. The UAWP will incorporate and utilize the new asphalt from this project into its final pavement design.
  • For more information about the UAWP visit the project website:
    http://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/projectinfo/project_pages/university_ave/

WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO TRAFFIC PATTERNS?
No – only temporary changes/detours during construction.

HOW WILL TRAFFIC, PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESSES BE IMPACTED DURING CONSTRUCTION?

  • If you live, work, or travel through this part of town, you will be affected by this construction project.
  • The greatest impact to traffic will be during active construction, when the pavement planing and replacement activities occur.
    1. ADOT&PF will work to minimize impacts, but local traffic can expect delays and inconveniences. Access to businesses and residential areas will be maintained throughout construction.
    2. Drivers who use University Avenue as a through route are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes during construction (Parks Highway, Airport Way, Peger Road, Johansen Expressway/Geist Road, College Road).
    3. Message boards will be posted several days in advance of significant activities, providing information so that drivers can plan alternate routes to avoid construction activities.
  • ADOT&PF's overall intent is to minimize the number of days of impact to the traveling public. We will do this by:
    1. By performing most of the construction work outside of peak travel hours. Based upon the volume of traffic, and the number of businesses in the project corridor, any road construction will cause congestion and delays. We will strategically work to minimize delays and construction by staggering work hours.
    2. Construction work will be performed in a manner that limits the duration of the project. Rather than create smaller interruptions that spread out over the entire construction season our goal is to work steadily on this project for a shorter length of time.