Western Alaska Access Planning Study
PROJECT STATUS
The Western Alaska Access Planning Study (WAAPS) has CONCLUDED.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Department of Transportation (DOT&PF) completed the Western Alaska Access Planning Study (WAAPS) in January 2010 - an evaluation of alternative corridors connecting the existing road system in the Fairbanks area to Nome and the Seward Peninsula. The Study recommended the Yukon River Corridor, an approximately 550 mile route from Manley Hot Springs to the Nome-Council Highway.
Proposed Yukon River Corridor
In 2011, DOT&PF conducted over 31 public meetings in affected communities, held other stakeholder meetings, and obtained public comments from a questionnaire. The Public Involvement Executive Summary was completed in May 2011 and documents the public comments received.
DOT&PF also completed a Corridor Staging and Alternatives Report in December 2011 which examined logical sequencing/stages for the Yukon River Corridor and alternatives to reduce project costs. This report recommended that the first stage to be constructed would link the Elliot Highway near Manley Hot Springs to the Yukon River, near Tanana.
WHAT'S NEXT
Preconstruction and construction funding is being pursued to accomplish the following:
- Obtaining satellite imagery, aerial photography and topographic mapping
- Identifying some of the potential economic benefits of the road
- Collecting existing wetlands mapping
- Permitting
Proposed planning level Manley to Tanana Road Alignment
| Last Updated: February 6, 2012 2:48 PM |
