Project Description

This project is focused on the section of the Glenn Highway between Arctic Avenue and Palmer-Fishhook Road where the highway leaves downtown Palmer and ascends the Matanuska River bluffs.

From farmland, personal driveways, and neighborhood entrances that line the corridor, people are entering a section of interstate highway that sees 10,000 vehicles per day traveling at speeds in excess of 45–55 mph. With these traffic patterns at the forefront and the Glenn Highway being part of the National Highway System, the project is focused on improving safety. Roadway capacity evaluation is also planned to meet community needs now and into the future.

The 179-mile-long Glenn Highway plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services between Southcentral Alaska and Interior Alaska. This route serves as the only access road for numerous villages, small towns, and residences, supporting both economic activity and a connection for essential services.

A 135-mile segment of the Glenn Highway (Anchorage to Eureka Summit) has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway. For 3.75 of those miles, the highway travels through the City of Palmer and acts as both an urban arterial and a local connector for residents and businesses. This mix of traffic contributes to safety issues and congestion and has resulted in the creation of this project.

Timeline

This project is in the beginning stages. The project team is still gathering data through means that include working with stakeholders to understand safety and other concerns. Over the course of the next year, the team expects to complete field studies, environmental documents, and preliminary engineering before moving into what is expected to be about a 3-year timeline for detailed design that may include right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation. Construction is targeted to begin in 2030 and last about 2 years.

Below is an estimated schedule that is subject to change.