The Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Project, designed to bring the Sterling Highway up to standards for a rural principal arterial to efficiently and safely serve traffic, continues tasks and planning with an update planned for January 12th at the Anchorage Transportation Fair.
The project team provided project updates at the December 7, 2022, Cooper Landing Advisory Planning Commission Meeting and the December 21, 2022, Anchorage Snowmobile Club Meeting.
Among the completed tasks in 2022 for the Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Project:
January 2022: Phases 2-6: A highway easement was acquired from the United States Forest Service. Also, the first phase of the land swap was completed, resulting in CIRI as the current owner of Phase 5.
June 2022: Phase 2: DOT&PF made a Bridge Type Selection: Concept 12: Steel Plate Girder bridge.
November 2022: Phase 1B: The design team submitted the 99% plan set assembly. Phase 1B: The Phase 1B team coordinated with utility owners to better assess and address potential utility impacts, constructability, and construction phasing challenges. This coordination will continue in 2023. Phase 2: The project team performed an estimate review of the Juneau Creek Bridge 30% design stage.
Near-term Schedule Goals: (discussion at Anchorage Transportation Fair on January 12th)
Agencies: DOT&PF will work with Agencies to finalize amendments to the Programmatic Agreement; Temporary Water Use authorizations within Phase 3; a Memorandum of Understanding with regard to Wildlife, Vegetation, and Maintenance; and a 404 Permit Modification request to USACE.
Phase 1A: Phase 1A construction will resume in spring 2023, and updates will be available on DOT&PF’s Navigator page at https://www.alaskanavigator.org/. Phase 1A is expected to be completed in July 2023.
Phase 1B: Next tasks include supporting the Construction Manager/General Contractor and Independent Cost Estimator with the upcoming estimate and incorporating/finalizing design changes based on reviews of risk, innovations, and construction efficiencies.
Phase 2: The Steel Plate Girder bridge 95% design will be submitted in February 2023.
Phases 3-6: Phase 5 clearing and geotechnical investigations will occur in 2023. This clearing work will help provide better access for archaeologists, hydrologists, engineers, drill rigs, and surveyors. The team will then further the Phase 5 tight diamond interchange design after the geotechnical investigation results are available. The Phase 5 design will be finalized by 2024.
Right-of-Way (ROW): Right-of-way acquisition for Phase 5 is anticipated to be complete by May 2023.
Public Involvement: The public involvement team will coordinate and prepare materials for the January 12, 2023, Anchorage Transportation Fair.
The Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Project goals included:
- Increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.
- Improve access to local properties and recreation opportunities along the existing highway.
- Improve travel time through the area.
- Reduce the risk of fuel spills into the Kenai River by moving some traffic away from the river, meeting current standards.
- Reduce noise, dust, and traffic in Cooper Landing proper.