Richardson Highway Dynamic Messaging Sign (CMAQ) NFHWY00554/002479

Project Description:

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PFT), in cooperation with the Alaska Division of the Federal Highway Administration, is proposing to install a two-sided dynamic message sign (DMS) and roadside hardware in the median of the Richardson Highway near milepost (MP) 348.7 just west of E 5th Ave and Mission Rd highway ramps.

The DMS will be capable of displaying local air quality and traffic incident related messages. The sign will be capable of remote control from the Northern Region Traffic Management Center (TMC), where highway safety and maintenance personnel can inform the traveling public.

Purpose and Need:

The Fairbanks Metropolitan Area does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller (PM2.5) as required by the Clean Air Act, thus is designated as a non-attainment area. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program is federally funded and designed to improve surface transportation congestion and air quality for non-attainment areas.

The DMS will inform the traveling public between North Pole and Fairbanks of the air quality. The air quality messages can be used to make travel choices such as carpooling and other travel related decisions which can help reduce PM2.5.

Project Milestones

• November 2020 - Environmental Document Approval
• April 2021 – Abbreviated Design Study Report (ADSR) Approval
• Summer 2021 – Finalize Design, Advertise for Bids
• Late Summer/Fall 2021 – Begin Construction