A significant redesign is on the horizon for the interchange between the Seward Highway and Tudor Road in Anchorage, Alaska. The Federal Highway Administration is set to cover a substantial portion of the $40 million project, aimed at addressing safety concerns and improving traffic flow. Construction is not expected to commence until 2030, but plans are already underway to enhance one of the busiest and most hazardous intersections in the state.
Improving Safety and Efficiency
The Tudor interchange experiences daily traffic exceeding 80,000 vehicles, making it the busiest in Alaska, according to project manager Galen Jones. The current configuration contributes to frequent traffic jams and accidents. The upgrade will involve replacing the aging bridge and reconstructing adjacent ramps and intersections to improve overall safety and efficiency.
Jones emphasized the need for a new bridge, stating that the existing structure does not meet current design standards. The requisite clearance is 18 feet, while the current bridge offers just over 16 feet. This project presents an opportunity to widen the narrow sidewalks, creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. “It should feel a lot more comfortable and safe for people that aren’t in vehicles trying to cross,” Jones noted.
Current design limitations contribute to bottlenecks during peak traffic hours, as there is only one turning lane in each direction on the bridge. While traffic engineers considered implementing roundabouts, they ultimately decided against it, as three-lane roundabouts would compromise safety benefits due to the high volume of vehicles.
Community Concerns and Future Developments
The proposed redesign aims to bring the intersections on either side of the bridge closer together, allowing them to function as a unified system rather than two separate entities. “It’ll look a lot similar to what it is today,” Jones stated. “It’ll just be safer, more comfortable for non-motorized users and efficient for everybody.”
Community engagement around this project has been significant. Felix Rivera, an Assembly member representing the Midtown neighborhood, expressed frustration over the lack of safety improvements on Tudor Road in recent years. “We know it’s one of the deadliest roads in the state, and in particular the stretch of road that this project will impact,” he said.
In conjunction with the Tudor interchange project, plans are also in place for a redesign of the 36th Avenue intersection to enhance traffic separation between regional and local commuters. This future project will aim to significantly reduce crash risks for both drivers and pedestrians, further contributing to the safety of the area.
Although the current project is still in the preliminary design phase, engineers are expected to finalize alternative layouts within the year. The coordinated efforts of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, along with community input, aim to create a safer and more efficient transportation corridor in Anchorage.
