Targeted Airshed Grant Highway Digital Signs Project No. 25RC182609

A digital message sign similar to the one shown in this photo will be installed in the median of the Parks Hwy near MP 357.5 and in the median of the Richardson Hwy near MP 358.4. [Image source: jdnews.com]

We are working to install a two-sided dynamic message sign (DMS) and roadside hardware in the median of the following locations:

• Parks Highway near milepost (MP) 357.5
• Richardson Highway near MP 358.4

The purpose of this project is to inform the traveling public 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. The signs 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.

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.

Work on this project includes for each site:

• Installing DMS and associated power, communication, and hardware
• Installing crash cushions and concrete barriers

Our project staff is currently working on final design. Construction on this project is expected to begin in 2022.

This project is being performed in cooperation with the Alaska Division of the Federal Highway Administration and FAST Planning.