West Mat-Su Access Project - Alaska

Project Overview

The Fish Creek Management Plan, adopted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1984, is a plan for the use and development of approximately 45,000 acres of state and borough land located northwest of Point MacKenzie between the Little Susitna and Big Susitna Rivers. Transportation planning is a crucial part of any overall land use plan, and this plan calls for the West Mat-Su Access Project by stating the importance of year-round access in the ultimate development of the plan area.

The scope of work for the first phase of the West Mat-Su Access Project will include engineering and environmental analysis, as well as coordination with and outreach to agencies and the public. Public involvement opportunities will occur throughout this first phase and will continue into the second phase (design of a selected alternative) and the third phase (construction).

The project is federally funded, and therefore federal oversight through Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is required. According to FHWA procedures, project funds will pass through the ADOT&PF to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The Borough, through ADOT&PF, will plan and design the project with the help of engineering and specialist consultants.

Initial estimates of the project scope predict that it will include bridging the Little Susitna River and constructing several miles of road to give access for agricultural, recreational, and other uses.