Public Notice: Alaska DOT&PF Seeks Public Comment on Riley Creek Bridge Replacement
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), in cooperation with the Alaska Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is seeking public comments on an intended de minimis Section 4(f ) finding for the proposed Riley Creek Bridge Replacement project located near George Parks Highway milepost (MP) 237 and south of the Denali National Park and Preserve (DNP&P) main entrance – Park Road. The proposed project will involve less than 1/10th of an acre of DNP&P property adjacent to Park Road’s intersection with George Parks Highway. This property is protected under Section 4(f ) of The Department of Transportation Act of 1966. The FHWA intends to make a finding that, after consideration of impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation or enhancement measures, the proposed project would not adversely affect the activities, features, and attributes of the Denali National Park & Preserve.
The National Park Service (NPS) recognizes a concern for the need of improved safety at the DNP&P entrance intersection of Park Road with the George Parks Highway. The proposed improvement would construct a right turn-pocket along Park Road to provide additional capacity at the intersection and reduce delay for right-turning motorists on to the Parks Highway. The turn lane will be 12 feet wide and extend approximately 350 feet from Park Road’s intersection with the highway. The proposed enhancement would require less than 1/10th of an acre and DNP&P would retain ownership. Section 4(f ) regulation requires that a de minimis finding show that the proposed improvement involves only a minor amount of property while considering impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation or enhancement measures without adversely affecting the activities, features, and attributes of the park. A draft de minimis Section 4(f ) finding discusses the project details, impacts to the Denali National Park and Preserve – Park Road entrance, coordination efforts to date, and proposed minimization and mitigation measures. Electronic and paper copies are available at the Northern Region DOT&PF office.
To request a copy, or ask a question, or submit a comment, please contact:
Albert Beck, P.E., Engineering Manager
2301 Peger Road Fairbanks, AK 99709-5316
Telephone: (907) 451-5359; Fax: (907) 451-5126
Text Telephone (TDD): (907) 451-2363
Email: albert.beck@alaska.gov
Please submit comments no later than by 5:00 p.m. on December 11, 2012 .
