(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – On Monday, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) and the community of Tanana officially recognized the opening of the Road to Tanana.

The Road to Tanana project brings significant benefits to the community of Tanana by reducing freight and cargo costs, reducing travel costs for residents and visitors, and increasing access to mineral exploration in the Interior.

The $13.7 million dollar project involved constructing 20 miles of new road and upgrading 14 miles of existing road. The new single-lane, gravel road is a continuation of Tofty Road, originating in Manley Hot Springs, and ending at the south bank of the Yukon River, about six miles upstream from the City of Tanana. Features include turnouts for vehicles to pass, a turnaround near the road terminus, one bridge, and drainage and erosion control.

Funding for the project was appropriated in FY2012, with clearing for the road beginning in 2013 and contractor Cruz Construction starting work in 2014.

The terminus of the Road to Tanana is surrounded by private lands belonging to Tozitna Ltd. While the road does provide a gravel ramp descending to the Yukon River ordinary high water, no engineered boat ramp below ordinary high water has been constructed. While launching a boat is an allowable use at this location, extreme caution should be taken while performing these activities.

In addition to the gravel ramp, the road terminus provides a vehicle turn-around area.  Parking is prohibited in this area, as it is reserved solely for maneuvering vehicles. For information on long-term parking, please contact the Tozitna Ltd., at (907) 366-7255. 

Photos of the Road to Tanana Dedication are available on the ADOT&PF Flickr stream.

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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