(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Alaskans will have enhanced recreational opportunities under the proposed revamped West Susitna Access Road project. The West Susitna Access project had originally been conceived as a 110-mile industrial toll road, to access mineral deposits.

“The newly proposed West Susitna Access project will connect the Matanuska Valley, and all of Alaska, to recreational opportunities along the Susitna River, and to the west,” said Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “In Alaska, one of our greatest resources is the outdoors, and improving access to the outdoors supports our economic vitality.”

Under this proposal, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) would continue to evaluate the feasibility of resource development further west. The proposed transfer is largely due to the shift from an industrial road concept to a public road providing access to recreational activities along the Susitna River and the State lands west of the river.

"The West Susitna Access will provide a fabulous opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and Alaskan sportsman to enjoy the Western Mat-Su," said Representative Kevin McCabe, District 30 and chair of Alaska House Committee on Transportation. "This access road will also open up Alaska land for exploration and mineral resource development; something Alaskans do better, safer, and with more respect for the ecosystem than anyone else."

The project is proposed as a DOT&PF federal program and is listed in the draft 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The change in use, and footprint, would require a project restart and new environmental document.

The Draft STIP 2024-2027 is now open for public review and comments. The document can be reviewed at DRAFT STIP 2024 to 2027 - PublicInput, and public comment can be submitted via email at STIP@publicinput.com, via text at 855-925-2801 or via phone voice message at 855-925-2801, code 2191.

DOT&PF has previously been involved with exploring West Susitna Access, completing a reconnaissance study in 2013. That study identified the many resources west of the Parks Highway, including the extensive recreational opportunities and the limited transportation infrastructure, limiting access to many Alaskans from accessing the area.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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