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Commission approves Murphy Dome Road safety reconstruction for mile 0–2; construction targeted for 2027
Summary
The Planning Commission approved DOT&PF’s HP2026‑4 project to widen shoulders to six feet, flatten crest curves and improve sight distance on Murphy Dome Road mile 0–2, citing crash history that includes lane‑departure collisions and one fatality; commissioners voted 11–0.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission on Nov. 18 approved HP2026‑4, a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) project to reconstruct Murphy Dome Road from mile 0 to mile 2, with a unanimous 11–0 vote.
Staff described the project as a safety‑focused reconstruction that widens paved shoulders to six feet, flattens vertical crest curves to improve sight distance and provides paved driveway landings at affected approaches. Don Galligan said the segment had eight crashes in a five‑year review (2015–2019), including one fatality, and that those factors qualified the stretch for HSIP funding.
Russell Johnson, Northern Region DOT highway design project manager, explained design choices including areas where 4:1 back slopes are achievable and locations where guardrail will be used because the 4:1 slope cannot be met within the existing right of way. Johnson said there are no design exceptions and no right‑of‑way acquisitions for the two‑mile project and that the HSIP benefit‑cost process focused resources where the crash reduction return is highest.
Commissioners asked about grade changes, driveway impacts, paving of aprons and planned timeline. Johnson said the project will construct paved apron approaches and landings at residential driveways and expected preliminary design to be completed mid‑winter with final PS&E and estimate by September, advertising anticipated in late November/early December or early January; construction is projected for 2027.
A commissioner moved to approve the planning staff recommendation and the three findings of fact supporting HP2026‑4; a second was recorded and the motion passed 11–0. The application will be scheduled for borough assembly consideration.
The commission’s action endorses staff findings that the project is consistent with the Fairbanks North Star Borough Regional Comprehensive Plan and transportation goals; final budget execution and contractor selection will follow federal HSIP procedures and assembly action.
