Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is platting approval the same as approval for the project?

   No. Platting approval is to ensure conformance of local code and standards related to properties. This is a  valuable check prior to requesting funding for the project and proceeding to the right-of-way phase of the design process. It is important to note that plat maps that are submitted for approval are not final. Adjustments are still possible as we meet with property owners during the right-of-way phase.

2. What has been done to inform the public about this project?

   DOT&PF has held more than 20 public outreach events since 2016 to inform the public, including four Public Open Houses. Many of these events were in Moose Pass. A summary of public involvement activities can be found in the Project Library.

3. Will this project change the community of Moose Pass or its historic places?

   The project as proposed is intended to replicate existing conditions as much as possible while fixing the underlying problems causing degradation of the roadway, and provide specific safety improvements. It is not moving the road any closer to residents north of Mile 28.7. Drainage improvements may necessitate some additional area as existing drainage facilities are frequently undersized, non-existent, or outside existing Right-of-Way.

   The project has been scaled down significantly since its’ inception, in large part due to feedback from the community, paired with additional data and analysis indicating lower crash rates and lower traffic projections than were expected during initial planning. Initial concept designs included much larger improvements.

   The project is complying with NEPA and Section 106 processes. Consultation regarding impacts to historic properties is ongoing. No significant adverse impacts on historic properties are currently expected. This is one of the many things reviewed during the environmental process. Environmental impacts are re-evaluated at each significant milestone during project development. The latest re-evaluation is available in the Project Library.

4. Is this project going to make people lose their homes or cause them to become unlivable due to the removal of wells and septic systems?

   DOT&PF currently anticipates that no residential structures will be impacted by the project, and only one business has been identified for relocation. The project has tried to avoid impacts to structures, drinking water sources, and septic systems. If an impact to existing drinking water or sanitation is unavoidable, mitigation options include replacement with a system that meets current standards (e.g. relocation, advanced treatment system, shared system), or full acquisition and relocation (none identified at this time). DOT&PF will not leave a residence in unlivable conditions without safe drinking water and sanitation due to impacts by the project.

5. Will you be changing the speed limit through Moose Pass? 

   No. The existing 45 mph and 35 mph speed zones will remain in place.

   A recent analysis of the speed zones performed by the DOT&PF found that the stencils painted on the roadway within the speed zones produced a small, but measurable speed lowering effect. The speed stencils will be replaced in-kind.

6. Why isn't the pathway being extended to the Johnson Pass Trailhead as part of this project?

   Along the segment of the highway between the ‘ball fields’ where the pathway currently ends and the Johnson Pass Trailhead, shoulders at least 6 feet wide will be provided. The roadway shoulders will function as a shared use thoroughfare for bicyclists and pedestrians. The existing separated pathway is not proposed to be extended with this project as there is little room between the lake and mountainsides for a pathway to fit next to the road without cutting deeply into the base of the mountains and/or filling into the lake which would result in additional ROW impacts, increased environmental impacts, and increased project costs. The current project was prioritized and included in the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) without a pathway extension. However, if the community feels strongly that a pathway should be developed, you can nominate the pathway as a separate project for future STIP consideration.

7. Why do we have a school zone right in Moose Pass? It is not next to the school and there are no bus stops in that area.

   The DOT&PF implements a Safe Routes to School program to enable and encourage children to safely walk or bicycle to school. The school  zone and crosswalk in Moose Pass were provided and located to serve approximately 13 homes across the highway from Moose Pass Elementary School, providing a route to school for children at those residences. The times that the flashing beacons are turned on and off are set to match each half hour time window that students would walk to school at the start and the end of the school day.

8. How can I find out where the DOT&PF's Right-Of-Way (ROW) is located in relation to my property?

   The ROW basemap has been recorded and the plat can be viewed on DNR’s website here:
   int.dnr.alaska.gov/ssd/recoff/search/docdisplay?District=314&SelectedDoc=20190001410 
   If you have difficulty downloading the maps or if you have a question, please contact:
   Rachel Shoemake
   Engineering Assistant 3
   (907) 269-0697
   rachel.shoemake@alaska.gov

9. Can we afford this project in our current fiscal climate?

   This project is funded with a combination of state and federal funds. The State of Alaska provides about 9% of the funding and the Federal Highway Administration provides about 91% of the funding. Currently, the funding for project design, ROW acquisitions, and construction are included in the STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program).

   This project is being designed to minimize additional maintenance needs for this section of the highway.

10. How will my property be impacted by the project?

    The preliminary Right of Way Acquisition Plat (posted to the Project Library) was approved by the Kenai Peninsula Borough and depicts the areas that DOT&PF anticipates permanent interest, including both fee acquisitions and easements. Temporary easements and permits to facilitate construction activities - such as constructing driveways – will also be sought by the DOT&PF later in the ROW process. The Department received funding to acquire ROW in the summer of 2024 and contracted a consultant to assist with ROW acquisitions. ROW agents representing the Department will contact owners of impacted property directly to work through the appraisal and acquisition process.

11. Will roadway shoulders be provided? Will they be paved?

    The shoulders will be paved. Where there’s a pathway adjacent to the road, the shoulders will be 2.5 feet wide (total pavement width will be same as existing). Where there is no pathway, the shoulders will be 6 feet wide. There will be rumble strips on the shoulders in the 55 mph speed zones. The widening in the paved surface south of Moose Pass will generally be shared equally on both sides of the road.