UPDATE: A major $40 million redesign for one of Anchorage’s most hazardous highway interchanges has been confirmed, with the Federal Highway Administration financing the majority of the project. Set to begin in 2030, this urgent overhaul aims to enhance safety and traffic flow at the busy intersection of Seward Highway and Tudor Road, where over 80,000 vehicles pass daily.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced plans to replace the aging bridge and reconstruct adjacent ramps and intersections. Currently, this interchange is not only a traffic bottleneck but also one of the most dangerous in Alaska, as noted by project manager Galen Jones. He emphasized, “It should feel a lot more comfortable and safe for people that aren’t in vehicles trying to cross.”
This crucial project will address the existing bridge’s insufficient overhead clearance of just over 16 feet, which fails to meet the standard of 18 feet. The redesign includes widening narrow sidewalks and increasing separation between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, aiming to significantly improve safety for non-motorized users.
With only one turning lane in each direction, the current layout often leads to severe traffic congestion during peak hours. Although roundabouts were considered, engineers ultimately ruled them out due to safety concerns. The revised design will bring the intersections closer together to function as a cohesive unit, enhancing efficiency while maintaining a familiar look.
Community leaders, including Assembly member Felix Rivera, have expressed frustration over the lack of safety enhancements in the area, highlighting the project’s importance. “We know it’s one of the deadliest roads in the state,” Rivera stated, referring to the stretch impacted by the redesign.
Additionally, plans for a future redesign of the 36th Avenue intersection will further separate regional traffic from local commuters, aiming to reduce crash risks for both drivers and pedestrians. This future project will commence only after the Tudor interchange improvements are completed.
As engineers finalize the preliminary design this year, stakeholders remain hopeful that these changes will not only alleviate traffic congestion but also save lives on one of Alaska’s busiest and most perilous roadways. Keep an eye on this developing story as updates unfold.
