Glenn Highway MP 34-42 (Phase I)

Project Detailsx

Servicesx

> Transportation Planning & Design
> Geotechnical Investigation & Design Recommendation
> Environmental Services & Permitting
> Surveying
> Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study
> Public Involvement
> Right-of-Way Acquisitions
> Utilities Services

Project Overviewx

HDL’s expertise was critical in the successful completion of the Glenn Highway Reconstruction, MP 34-42 Parks Highway to Old Glenn Highway project for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The project aimed to enhance safety, capacity, and accessibility for the corridor, which extends through both residential and commercial properties, including Alaska Railroad Corporation and City of Palmer properties.

To accommodate project traffic levels, HDL analyzed various alternatives, such as frontage roads and additional side streets, to balance the future needs of the roadway facilities with the needs of the corridor stakeholders. While initially controversial, HDL’s Transportation Group developed designs that minimized overall disturbances to the surrounding area. Through careful public involvement efforts and thoughtful design work, the team was able to overcome any controversial right-of-way acquisitions and garner public support.

The project involved widening the existing two-lane highway into a four-lane divided highway with partial frontage roads and pedestrian pathways. HDL provided a range of services, including site evaluations, civil design, a Design Study Report, traffic and safety analysis, utility coordination, preparation of plans, specification and estimate, public involvement, environmental analysis for an Environmental Assessment re-evaluation, wetlands reconnaissance, noise analysis, a historic resources survey, Section 106 Consultation, Section 4(f), and permits.

The first phase of the project began in 2018 and involved clearing brush, grubbing, removing structures, and utility reconfiguration. In 2019, new lanes were paved, four new traffic signals were installed, and a frontage road from Glacier View Avenue to Cienna Avenue was constructed. HDL received minimal change orders during the first phase of construction, and the design utilized existing material throughout to reduce overall costs for DOT&PF. Ultimately, the project not only enhanced traffic mobility but also contributed to the growth of the surrounding communities while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing corridor.