Chena River Walk Stage III – Segment 1 Project No. 0002(406)/NFHWY00280

We are constructing a new segment of the Chena River Walk that will extend from Peger Road to the existing Chena River pedestrian bridge near Pioneer Park. The project includes approximately 2,200 feet of new pathway, as well as a separate pathway along Peger Road that will connect to the intersection of Peger Road and Phillips Field Road.

The purpose of this project is to fill a connective gap in the existing Chena River Walk recreational pathway system (Stages I and II). Once completed, the pathway will improve both recreational and transportation opportunities by providing a continuous non-motorized connection between downtown Fairbanks and University Avenue.

The proposed pathway alignment has been designed to avoid the regulatory floodway adjacent to the Chena River. The route will be located along the northern edge of the floodway boundary.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation and Alaska DOT&PF have reached an agreement in principle for the project. Alaska DOT&PF Right-of-Way Staff are currently working to finalize acquisition documents with the Alaska Railroad Corporation.

With the pathway alignment finalized and right-of-way acquisition nearing completion, the project team is also updating the environmental documentation to reflect the current design.

Proposed Chena River Walk Alignment

Project Schedule

Environmental document update - Summer 2026
Summer-fall 2026 - ROW Acquisition
Summer 2028 - construction

This project is being developed in cooperation with the Alaska Division of the Federal Highway Administration, City of Fairbanks, Fairbanks North Star Borough, and FAST Planning.

View of the proposed path area from the south side of the Chena River Walk near the Peger Road bridge

North bank of the Chena River