Richardson Highway MP 266-341 Passing Lanes
Project Number 0A23021/Z607150000
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is working to select and design passing lanes on the Richardson Highway between Delta Junction and North Pole (mileposts 266 to 341). The project's purpose is to reduce traffic congestion and increase safety.
Passing lanes are an effective tool to improve capacity and safety on two-lane highways. The purpose of passing lanes is to reduce aggressive driving behavior where, in the absence of a passing lane, passing would have to occur in the opposing traffic lane.
The project includes the following work:
The team completed a draft Route Selection Report and solicited comments from users at public meetings in November 2016. The Route Selection Report evaluated potential passing lane locations using a two-tiered process to determine the most effective locations between Delta Junction and North Pole, that improve safety and capacity, incorporate public input, minimize construction costs and environmental impacts, and conform to applicable design criteria.
The team completed a Design Study Report containing detailed evaluation of the passing lane locations including safety, constructability within the existing right-of-way, drainage, utilities impacts, and environmental considerations. Ten (10) of the 16 original passing lanes evaluated are being moved forward to final design.
The final product will be plans, specifications and estimates for passing lane construction. Concurrent with the design work, DOT&PF will complete environmental documentation and permitting.
Fieldwork was completed in Summer 2022. Construction of the passing lanes will likely be completed in phases, which will be determined as the locations are evaluated. The earliest construction could begin in 2023. Construction timing is dependent on many factors including utility relocations and permitting.
The project team held a public meeting on May 19, 2022 to present an overview of the project, answer questions, and take comments. You can review the meeting materials here:
If you have ideas, concerns, or information you would like to share about the project area and proposed improvements, please email us at richardson-passing-lanes@akprojectinfo.com
If you have questions or comments about these projects, please contact:
Carl Heim, P.E.
Engineering Manager, DOT&PF
2301 Peger Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 451-5359 or
richardson-passing-lanes@akprojectinfo.com
For individuals requiring TTY communications, please contact Alaska Relay at 7-1-1 or 1-800-770-8973.
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 November 3, 2017, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.
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