Parks Highway / Sheep Creek Road Extension Traffic Signal (HSIP)
Project No. NFHWY00898/0A45(032)

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Northern Region is working to improve safety at the intersection of the Parks Highway and Sheep Creek Road Extension. The history of crashes at this intersection allowed the Department to nominate this intersection for safety improvements under the federally funded Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).

Background & Crash History

In 2008, we modified the intersection to add turn lanes, medians, and the dedicated receiving lane for traffic turning left from Sheep Creek Road Extension onto the Parks Highway towards Fairbanks. In 2012, we changed the pavement markings and added signs to address safety concerns. These improvements have reduced side swipe crashes, but angle crashes continue to occur.

Between 2013 and 2023, 29 crashes occurred at this intersection. There were no fatal injuries, but two crashes involved serious injuries, six crashes involved minor injuries, and 21 crashes involved property damage (no injury). Most of the crashes include vehicles turning from Sheep Creek Road Extension onto the Parks Highway.

• Vehicles turning from Sheep Creek toward Fairbanks collided with vehicles on Parks Highway traveling to Fairbanks primarily during the winter months when road conditions were icy. The superelevation makes it difficult for drivers to turn into the inside lane without accidently crossing over into the outside lane. This is further complicated by the turning vehicles accelerating to find gaps in the traffic heading from Fairbanks to Ester before making the turn into the superelevated lane.
• Vehicles from Sheep Creek Road Extension turning towards Ester collided with vehicles on the Parks Highway traveling from Fairbanks to Ester primarily during daylight hours in the spring, summer, and fall months. Commonly stated causes were vehicles in the right turn lane pocket blocking the sight of a vehicle in the adjacent through lane of Parks Highway, glare from the sun, and confusion to whether a vehicle on the Parks Highway traveling from Fairbanks was in the right turn pocket or the adjacent through lane.

No crashes involving non-motorized traffic (pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.) were reported at this intersection during the 2013-2023 timeframe. We have received comments that it is challenging for non-motorized traffic using the multi-use path along the Parks Highway to cross Sheep Creek Road Extension, especially during peak hours when there is a lot of turning traffic. The crossing distance is long, and it is difficult for non-motorists to anticipate approaching vehicle movements; likewise, it is difficult for vehicles approaching the intersection to see non-motorists at the intersection.

Eastbound and Westbound crash history posters. Click for PDF version.

Back to menu.

Project Schedule

The project is programmed for construction in 2027.

We are currently working on updating the environmental document and drafting permit applications (as of November 2025).

Final design is anticipated to be completed in early 2026.

Back to menu.

Project Scope

Installing a traffic signal is the most effective safety countermeasure to address the specific types of crashes occurring here. As shown in the " Preferred Alternative" figure, the project will also:

• Construct a median between the acceleration lane and the through lane to physically separate the inside lane dedicated to receiving left-turning vehicles from the Sheep Creek Road Extension and the adjacent lane dedicated for vehicles traveling on the Parks Highway toward Fairbanks.
• Improve non-motorized safety at the intersection by signalizing the crossing and providing pavement markings and raised medians or islands to separate vehicles and non-motorized users.
• Post "SIGNAL AHEAD" sign and install the "PREPARE TO STOP" overhead flashing sign (like those on the Mitchell and Johansen Expressways) in advance of the intersection for vehicles travelling westbound on the Parks Highway.
• Modify the roadway geometry and flatten grades so that in icy conditions:
• vehicles turning left from Sheep Creek onto the Parks Highway are less likely to "fishtail" and inadvertently cross into the adjacent through lane (See "Parks Highway Cross Sections" figure), and
• vehicles stopped at the intersection experience less difficulty gaining traction to accelerate uphill (see " Parks Highway Profile" figure).

Preferred Alternative

Parks Highway Cross Sections
(*The existing median separating the inbound and outbound traffic is not shown but will remain.)

Parks Highway Profile
(View looking east)

Back to menu.

---

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 13, 2023, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.

The project is being developed in accordance with the following special purpose regulations including Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act; Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; and the following Executive Orders (EO): EO 11988 (Floodplain Management); EO 11990 (Wetlands Protection); EO 12898 (Environmental Justice); EO 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment) and; EO 13112 (Invasive Species).