Douglas Highway Resurface & Sidewalk Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Project/General

1. What is the purpose of this project?

The primary objectives of the project are:

• prolong the life of Douglas Highway, roundabout and bridge road surfaces
• maintain adequate drainage features
• bring the pedestrian facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The project also plans to include repairing various elements of the existing road infrastructure such as sidewalks and curbs, culverts and drainage, and signage.

2. How is the project funded?

This project is approximately 91% funded by federal receipts through the Preventative Maintenance program. The project is expected to cost approximately $15-20 million (including utility relocations, Right-ofWay acquisition, and construction costs).

Safety, access and mobility

3. Will I be able to ride my bike/walk through the construction zone?

The project will close the sidewalk and bicycle lanes along Douglas Highway at times to perform resurfacing work. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) will work to accommodate all road users. Traffic conditions will be updated weekly on the project website.

4. Will I be able to get my boat to and from the harbor boat launch during construction?

Yes, driving lanes during and after construction will be wide enough for all vehicles that use the road presently.

5. Will the roundabout be closed at any point during construction?

The roundabout and bridge will remain open throughout construction. The contractor will develop traffic control plans to accommodate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic through these areas during construction.

6. Will the completed project change the configuration of the road (e.g. adding or takingaway lanes)? Will on street parking remain?

When completed, the project will not affect the configuration of the road. Traffic lanes will stay the same width and on street parking will remain. There may be temporary inconveniences when repaving parking lanes during construction.

Construction

7. When will construction start? How long will construction take?

The project is currently in the design phase, with a goal of starting construction in 2021. Construction could take up to three years. The project will be broken up into three phases to minimize traffic delays during construction.

8. Will this project be constructed at the same time as the 10th to Main project?

DOT&PF will work with other adjacent projects to minimize the traffic impacts to the public during construction.

Right-of-Way (ROW)

9. What is Right-of-Way (ROW)?

A highway right-of-way is an identified strip of land reserved for transportation improvements. The existing ROW through most of the project corridor is approximately 50 to 95 feet wide and 50 to 60 feet in downtown Douglas. All property rights necessary for construction will be handled in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.

10. What is an Encroachment?

An unpermitted encroachment is an unauthorized use of a right-of-way or easement by improvements, objects, items, or obstructions. This can include, but is not limited to, driveways that have not been permitted by DOT&PF, signs, cars, fences, and buildings.

DOT&PF is required to ensure all rights of way are clear of encroachments. Road improvement projects require a thorough review of the corridor and encroachment clearing. You may have recently received a letter regarding an encroachment for your property. Depending on the particular encroachment and how it might impact the traveling public, you may be required to remove the encroachment. The encroachment process is separate from the ROW process.