Major Knik River bridge project begins with traffic diversions

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Reconstruction of two bridges that provide a crucial transportation link for commuters between Anchorage and the Mat-Su began Wednesday morning.

The project will “rehabilitate” three bridges in total — both north and southbound bridges over the Knik River, as well as the northbound bridge over Peters Creek near Chugiak. All three are over 30 years old, according to the state Department of Transportation, and two are close to 60.

Project officials said that each span of the Knik River bridges will be closed for 30 days at a time as construction begins, with three total lanes of traffic allowed through; two lanes going south during morning rush hour, and two lanes going north during the evening commute.

Jason Lamoreaux, a construction project manager for the DOT, said the lanes will be switched from the morning schedule at approximately 11 a.m. to facilitate an evening commute, then switched again at approximately 3 a.m. to facilitate the morning commute. Lamoreaux said commuters should expect delays, particularly in the evening.

“We do realize there are going to be some impacts to the public,” Lamoreaux said. “We’ve been trying to get the message out to travelers to plan ahead, to give themselves some extra time, make alternative arrangements if they can.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Lamoreaux said he was pleased at how well traffic was flowing so far, but he cautioned that drivers do need to pay careful attention, adding that the speed limit through the project is 45 mph and double traffic fines apply.

“When you are driving through the work site, there are a lot of easy distractions,” he said. “We have narrower lanes, we have workers and equipment in the area, so please slow down, pay attention to the speed limits, and just be courteous to your fellow drivers.”

Improvements to the northbound bridge are expected to take a month, at which time work will switch to the southbound bridge, which is expected to take an additional month.

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