Soldotna: Redoubt Ave & Smith Way Rehabilitation

Project No: CFHWY00800

FAQs

1. What is the Community Transportation Program?

   The Community Transportation Program (CTP) is a competitive surface transportation program held every 3 years and administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The CTP solicits community input, nominations, and project sponsorship. Development of projects includes identifying needs through public outreach and involvement, evaluating and scoring eligible projects by a board, and prioritizing and selecting projects to award. Awarded projects will be developed and managed by DOT&PF. For more information visit: https://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/cip/stip/projects/CTP.shtml.

2. What is a Complete Streets Design?

   A Complete Street is safe, and feels safe, for all users. Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining roads and other surface transportation in a way that is safe, accessible, and comfortable for all types of travelers. This includes those who are walking, bicycling, driving, rolling, using public transportation, and other travelers who have been historically under-served by our transportation network.

   Traditionally, transportation networks across the United States were built with a focus on moving vehicles quickly. Complete Streets shifts that approach to focus on what is best for all modes of travel, with an emphasis on improving safety. For more information visit: https://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/completestreets/.

3. How long will construction take?

   Pending available funding, construction may begin as early as summer 2026, with no work occurring during winter months. Minor work items like final striping, landscaping, and removing temporary erosion control measures may extend into spring 2027.

4. Will I lose access to my driveway during construction? Will the road be closed?

   Local access to homes and businesses will remain open throughout construction. For the most part, traffic will be maintained during construction. Construction activities are anticipated to take place outside of the busiest hours; however, there may be short-term temporary closures for through-traffic. These closures will be scheduled to avoid or minimize impacts to the traveling public.

5. My home is near the project; will it be loud in the evenings while my family is trying to sleep?

   Noise around homes will be mitigated by scheduling certain types of work during the day to limit disturbances.

6. What safety measures are being proposed for nonmotorized users along these roadways?

   Signage, sidewalk, and dedicated bike lanes are proposed. The following are examples of these improvements:

   • The yield sign on Frontage Road at Smith Way will be replaced with a stop sign. The stop sign and new center median will prevent drivers from making higher speed left turns onto Smith Way. This will improve safety for nonmotorized users utilizing the northbound bike lane.
   • Sidewalks on both sides of Redoubt Avenue and Smith Way with curb ramps at intersections and midblock crossings.
   • Five-foot bike lanes, on both sides of Redoubt Avenue and Smith Way, with special striping will guide cyclists through intersections and better alert vehicles of their presence.

7. Will large trucks and semis be able to maneuver through the median at Frontage Road?

   Yes, the median at Frontage Road will be maneuverable by trucks and semis; however, through traffic should utilize Kenai Spur and Sterling highways unless these routes are blocked. Vehicles will have to come to a complete stop and may need to utilize the gutter pan and mountable curbed median to complete maneuvers. School buses and smaller vehicles will not need to use features outside of the roadway. 

8. Will right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions be implemented?

   The improvements are expected to be made within the existing DOT&PF right-of-way (ROW). Property acquisitions are not anticipated for this project; however, repurposing of the existing DOT&PF ROW is necessary in select locations. Temporary Construction Easements (TCE) will be acquired for activities happening outside the existing ROW. A TCE allows the temporary use and access of a designated area on private property for the purpose of construction. During construction, temporary traffic detours may be necessary, but access to side streets, homes, and businesses will be maintained.

9. How can I get involved?

   If you'd like to stay updated or share your thoughts with the project team, please:

   • Visit www.redoubtsmithrehab.com, where you can sign up for email updates and find information on upcoming events.
   • Reach out to the project team via email at comments@redoubtsmithrehab.com.

10. There are other streets like this that need improvements. Will a similar project come to my neighborhood?

    You can contact the local transportation planners below to nominate a new project or register your support for one under consideration:

    DOT&PF Planning, Kenai Peninsula
    Joselyn Biloon
    joselyn.biloon@alaska.gov
    (907) 269-0508

    KPB Resource Planning Department, Kenai Peninsula Borough
    planning@kpb.us
    (907) 714-2200