About
Background and Project History
Between 2001 and 2007 the DOT&PF conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) and re-evaluations on potential impacts of making improvements to the Seward Highway in Anchorage. The analysis resulted in an Environmental Assessment – Finding of No Significant Impact that was signed by the Federal Highway Administration in February 2007. Preliminary engineering determined the highway should be improved in sections. Design and construction of the segments from Tudor Road to Dowling Road and Dowling Road to Dimond Boulevard were completed in 2013 and 2018, respectively.
Design on this segment of the road began in 2016 and the project reached 95% design in 2023. In Fall 2023, DOT&PF announced construction was delayed until after 2027 due to three primary factors:
- Funding: DOT&PF allocated its limited funding to higher near-term priorities.
- Timing: DOT&PF recognized that there would be a gap between construction on this project and the AMATS: Academy Drive/Vanguard Drive Reconstruction project.
- Stakeholder Feedback: DOT&PF heard concerns from the public and elected officials about the project purpose and need and scope of the project.