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Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

NORTHERN REGION
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Cowles Street Reconstruction – Airport Way to East Cowles

We are going to reconstruct Cowles Street between Airport Way and just south of the East Cowles intersection during summer 2025.

The purpose of this project is to improve the corridor for both motorized and non-motorized users. The project will make some changes to the existing layout which will eliminate some of the closely spaced maneuvers near the Cowles and Airport Way intersection.

Work on this project includes:

  • Reconstructing, repaving and restriping the roadway
  • Upgrading sidewalks on the west side and constructing a separated path on the east side
  • Removing the existing Rectangular Flashing Beacon and realigning the sidewalks to the Airport Way signalized intersection
  • Providing shoulders or separated path for bicycle users
  • Closing the access from the Frontage Roads onto Cowles
  • Upgrading the Cowles/Kennicott traffic signal and providing a signal head for each lane
  • Narrowing the entrance to the southbound lane just south of the Kennicott intersection to make it clear to the drivers that there is only one lane south of the intersection
  • Installing curb ramps and other ADA improvements
  • Upgrading the storm drain system
  • Upgrading existing street lighting
  • Installing new signs

South Cowles

Construction on this project is expected to take place during the summer 2025 while the school is not in session. The road will be closed to traffic during construction. If the new signal system is not available prior to opening the roadway, the existing signal poles will be put up temporarily in mid August and will be replaced in the fall/winter once the new system arrives.

This project is being constructed as part of the Cowles Street Reconstruction project which is between the First Avenue and East Cowles. The project is developed and constructed in cooperation with the City of Fairbanks, Alaska Division of the Federal Highway Administration and the local metropolitan organization FAST Planning].

This project is the first Stage of the Cowles Street reconstruction project. The second stage will improve Cowles Street between 1st Avenue and Airport Way and is currently planned for 2028.

If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact: ivet.hall@alaska.gov or 907-451-5386 with any feedback, or any other comments. You can also send her mail at:
Ivet Hall, P.E.
2301 Peger Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709