Richardson Highway Speed Disparity

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has proposed to raise the speed limit between Valdez and Delta Junction to 65 MPH. Raising the speed limit will reduce speed disparity between motorists to reduce crashes. Centerline striping will also be updated to reflect the needed sight distance for a 65 MPH corridor. ADOT&PF will also install curve warning signs to give drivers clear information to adjust their speed accordingly through road curves.

Project Scope: Adjust the speed limit as needed along the Richardson Highway from Delta to Valdez, which will include installation of new signs, relocation of existing signs and pavement markings.

Criteria considered in determining if a change in the posted speed limit is warranted included:

• Present operating speed of traffic on the Richardson Highway
• Existing roadway alignment
• Existing roadside characteristics
• Lane and shoulder width
• Signing (regulatory, warning, and advisory speeds)
• School bus stops
• Crash history and crash severity
• Driveways and side street density

Construction to implement the proposed changes will include:

• Revising speed limit signs, warning signs, and other signs impacted by increasing the speed limit.
• Updating signs, including warning signs, in areas that will retain their current posted speed limit.
• Revise passing zone striping for the new speed limit.
• Add school bus warning signs where needed and remove unnecessary school bus warning signs.
• Potentially clear limited areas for increased school bus stop visability.
• Spot mowing in areas where visibility is limited.

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