For more information, visit sterlinghighway.net or contact the project team:

We’ve been busy in 2022!

• The Scarsella Bros. focused summer 2022 construction on Phase 1A (MP 56 to MP 58).
• QAP-Traylor Joint Venture, the new Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), will continue work on the Pioneer Road construction and clearing during the remainder of the 2022 season.
• The CM/GC completed development at Tract C and disposal areas.

• Under construction with work on the retaining wall and wildlife crossings.
• Finishing construction in 2023.
• Features: 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders, wildlife crossings, and rock cuts with mesh retaining walls.

Overview

• New segment of highway extends from MP 47 to MP 56.
• Includes key elements that help meet project needs: reduce highway congestion, meet current design standards, and improve highway safety:
  • Alignment pulls away from Kenai River, provides straighter alignment compared to existing corridor. Straightening alignment offers more passing opportunities.
  • New alignment road grade climbs up to Juneau Creek Bridge on either side, providing opportunities for slower vehicles to ascend steep grades in outside climbing lane without slowing traffic.
• Features along new alignment include:
  • Pathway (requested by the community) along south side of new highway. Design is in progress.
  • Pathway will create pedestrian connections to other trails and allow construction to use excess material on-site instead of hauling it away.
  • Wildlife crossings: one overcrossing, two undercrossings, designated crossing corridors on either end under Juneau Creek Bridge, and three oversized drainage culverts.

Juneau Falls Trailhead

• New parking and dedicated left-turn lane
• New trail connecting parking lot to Resurrection Pass trail with separate equestrian access trail
• New Juneau Falls Overlook accessible via 1/4-mile trail from parking lot
• Parking lot to accommodate access road and include snow storage

Bean Creek Trail

• New pullout built to access the trail.
• Trail will have minor realignments due to road construction and access to trail under Juneau Creek Bridge.

Slaughter Ridge

• Hikers will be able to access Slaughter Gulch Trail through highway undercrossing structure sized to include creek crossing.

• Land exchange updated; DOT&PF to purchase land from Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI).
• DOT&PF is working closely with CIRI to permit this summer’s pre-construction activities (geotech, clearing, and H&H fieldwork).
• Overview of Phase 5 Design concept:
  • The intersection of the new and old Sterling Highways at the west end (Phase 5) will feature a tight diamond interchange design. This design will provide the best traffic safety and minimize impacts on cultural resources and wetlands.
• Design Next Steps
• Phase 4/5 Early Work Package