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Chena Riverwalk Phase 3 faces big cost and right-of-way hurdles; DOT, city and FAST Planning outline options

Chena Riverfront Commission · January 28, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Engineers and FAST Planning told the Chena Riverfront Commission that permit limits, railroad negotiations and an elevated structure over floodplain have pushed the Chena Riverwalk Phase 3 estimate to roughly $7M; staff described lower-cost alternatives but said each has trade-offs in river access, right-of-way or ADA compliance.

City, DOT and FAST Planning staff briefed the commission on Jan. 28 on progress and key risks for Chena Riverwalk Phase 3, emphasizing a narrow corridor, permitting constraints and rising costs.

City engineer Bob Pristache said the project is constrained by an existing permit executed with the railroad and a 10-foot easement that limits horizontal room along the river. "The permit now is between the railroad and the City Of Fairbanks… the City pays $400 a year in a fee," Pristache said, adding that existing obligations include maintenance of a pedestrian bridge. He said the embankment design envisioned years ago…

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