Ketchikan Tongass Avenue & Water Street Viaducts

Project # SFHWY00196

 

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proposing to make improvements to Tongass Avenue and Water Street in the area shown in the map above. The project corridor is owned and maintained by DOT&PF.

Why This Project?

The purpose of this project is to extend the service life of the facilities and improve mobility and safety for vehicles and pedestrians. There are several issues it will address:

• The viaduct structures under Tongass Avenue and Water Street, which were built in the 1950s, are at the end of their service life and maintenance needs continue to increase
• The sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps, and railings don’t fully meet the needs of the community, especially those with disabilities and during the summer when foot traffic increases
• The pavement is in poor condition
• Water Street floods during heavy rain events
• Vehicle traffic becomes congested during the summer tourist season
• Water and sewer lines that run along the viaduct are at the end of their service life and need to be rehabilitated or replaced

What Does The Proposed Project Include?

• Repair portions of the Tongass Ave viaduct as needed
• Repair portions of the Water Street viaduct as needed and replace portions of the structure that are beyond their service life with fill material
• Widen sidewalks, improve wheelchair access at crosswalks, and upgrade pedestrian railings to meet current standards
• Repave the corridor to improve the driving surface
• Improve drainage near the intersection with Chapman Street to address flooding issues
• Install a new signal at Water Street and Schoenbar Road to improve safety and reduce congestion
• Work with the City of Ketchikan to replace water and sewer lines that run under the road

We expect the project will be constructed in phases over several years, potentially starting as early as 2027.

Stay Updated

If you have questions or comments, you can email the project team at contact@ketchikanviaducts.com

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The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 13, 2023, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.