Hemmer Rd Extension and Upgrade: Palmer Wasilla Hwy to Bogard Rd

Project No. CFHWY00885

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB), is proposing to reconstruct and extend Hemmer Road north from its intersection with Palmer-Wasilla Highway to the intersection with Bogard Road. Anticipated improvements may include shoulders, pedestrian amenities, drainage improvements, roadside hardware, and a new signal at the intersection with Bogard. Utility relocations and right-of-way acquisitions are anticipated.

PROJECT MAP

Why this project?

Poor road network connectivity concentrates traffic onto a small number of roads, leading to congestion, frustration, cut through traffic, and crashes on those over-utilized roadways. The Mat-Su Borough has long-term plans to improve network connectivity throughout the Valley, and this segment is one piece of the larger goal. Hemmer Road is an existing north-south roadway but is missing a short segment to complete the connection from Palmer-Wasilla Highway to Bogard Road. The existing pedestrian facilities are in poor condition and discontinuous. This project will complete the connection, provide improved pedestrian facilities along the entire length, and include any warranted intersection upgrades.

Why DOT&PF?

The Mat-Su Borough successfully nominated this project through the Community Transportation Program, which allows DOT&PF to address community transportation needs with a combination of local, state, and federal funds. DOT&PF will complete the design, coordinate with utilities, acquire any necessary right-of-way, bid the project, and oversee construction. Hemmer Road is owned and maintained by the Mat-Su Borough, and will remain so after construction.

STATUS

The project began in the spring/summer of 2022. Survey was collected in the summer of 2022, and data for the noise and traffic analysis was collected in the fall of 2022. Other investigations and studies to support the environmental document are on going and preliminary design is underway.

It is the policy of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no person shall be excluded from participation in or be denied benefits of any and all programs or activities we provide based on race, religion, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin, regardless of the funding source including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration and State of Alaska Funds.

The DOT&PF complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, and/or special modifications to participate in this public meeting should contact Joann Mitchell at (907) 343-7590 or TDD number [711]. Requests should be made at least five days before the accommodation is needed make any necessary arrangements.