Jump to information about the July 2020 – October 2021 closure of University Avenue during construction of the Chena River Bridge.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and contractor Great Northwest, Inc. are widening and reconstructing University Avenue from the Mitchell Expressway to the Thomas Street intersection. University Avenue is a high-volume urban route that serves as the primary north-south transportation corridor on the west side of Fairbanks. Construction of the entire University corridor started at the Geist/Johansen/University intersection in May 2018 and is expected to last through 2022.
A drone looks across University Avenue, down Geist Road from the Johansen Expressway. Reconstruction of this intersection took place in 2018. Photo by Brandy Milles, DOT&PF
The purpose of this project is to improve safety and mobility through this high-volume route by
The work for this project has been divided into smaller segments that are being constructed between 2018 and 2022. The work that has already been completed as of spring of 2020 includes
Travis Donovan, DOT&PF project engineer, looks across the closure at Geist Road and University Avenue during the intersection’s reconstruction in 2018. Photo by Caitlin Frye, DOT&PF
Crane operators lift the pre-assembled temporary pedestrian bridge onto pilings in the Chena River in November 2020.
Photo by Jacob Helton, DOT&PF
Contractor Great Northwest, Inc. and subcontractor Hamilton Construction are currently working to replace the University Avenue bridge over the Chena River. University Avenue between Goldizen and Airport Way is currently CLOSED to vehicle traffic and will remain closed through October 2021 while we reconstruct University and replace the Chena River Bridge. In other words, this section of University Avenue will be closed through this winter and next construction season, with the new bridge opening in the fall of 2021. Pedestrian access will remain open throughout construction.
We know that an extended closure like this has a huge impact on drivers, businesses, and residents in the area. The decision to close the road for this extended period was carefully considered. Here are the reasons that led us to this decision.
We know this kind of extended closure is not typical for Fairbanks construction and it has a huge impact—it may have a huge impact on you every day. We know that can be really hard. But we do believe that this is the best alternative considering the many years of delays we would be faced with if we built the bridge in bits and pieces with open lanes. We genuinely appreciate your patience.
We are committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 among our workers and throughout the communities in which we work. You can learn more about what DOT&PF and contractors are doing to address COVID-19 at our statewide 2020 construction website (coming soon).
This project is using the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) delivery method — this method allows for greater innovations in design and the ability to plan the construction to find efficiencies and cost savings. Learn more about CMGC here. We are working with local contractor Great Northwest, Inc. and bridge subcontractor Hamilton Construction Alaska Co. to develop the plans.
We welcome your feedback and questions and encourage area property owners to contact us.
Construction on this project began with the reconstruction of the University Avenue / Geist Road / Johansen Expressway intersection in 2018. Between 2018 and 2019, University Avenue was reconstructed from College Road to Wolf Run, just south of the intersection with Geist Road and the Johansen Expressway. Utility relocations and a portion of the side street work was also completed in 2019.
In 2020, the intersection of Airport Way and University Avenue was reconstructed, including extensive utility work between Airport Way and Rewak Drive. Replacement of the Chena River Bridge began in the fall of 2020 and will continue through the summer of 2021. While the new bridge is being constructed in 2021, University Avenue will be widened and reconstructed between Wolf Run and Geraghty Avenue.
The graphic below shows what has been done in previous years and what is still to come over the next several years.
For more information contact:
Lauren Little, P.E.
ADOT&PF
2301 Peger Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709-5316
(907) 451-5371
lauren.little@alaska.gov
To correspond by text telephone
(TDD) (907) 451-2363
2020 Construction Contact:
Brian Herning, P.E.
ADOT&PF
2301 Peger Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709-5316
(907) 451-3018
brian.herning@alaska.gov
To correspond by text telephone
(TDD) (907) 451-2363
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated November 3, 2017, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.
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