Upper Susitna Projects Approved in STIP

The U.S. Department of Transportation partially approved most of Alaska’s projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, this week. Culverts, a bridge, and the West Susitna Access Road are approved for construction funding over the next four years. 

Several of the worst culverts and a bridge on Parks Highway between Miles 99 and 163 have been approved for funding. Alaska Department of Transportation, or DOT, and its contractor evaluated 270 culverts, many being near failure. 

DOT Communications Director Shannon McCarthy says that culvert work will begin this year with nearly 12 million dollars in STIP funding. The Railroad Creek Bridge also is approved for nearly 14 million dollars and will begin design and construction soon.

Twenty-two miles of the West Susitna Access Road has been approved for funding, to be completed in stages, according to McCarthy. The first 17 miles of the roadway will begin at the Little Susitna Road and span to the south bank of the Susitna River. The construction will include two bridges across the Little Susitna River and Fish Creek. A boat launch facility will be built on the Susitna River.

The final five miles of the West Susitna Access Road will begin at the end of the first stage and lead to a proposed materials site just west of Alexander Creek. The construction includes bridges over the Susitna River and Alexander Creek. This will connect the highway to the open land west of the Susitna River. 

The cost of the West Susitna Access Road project is about $76 million with a match of about 6.8 million dollars in state funds. The design is expected to begin this year and construction on the first 17 miles is expected to begin in 2025. The final five miles will be constructed in 2027. McCarthy says DOT will develop a website for the public to track the West Susitna Access Road progress.