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Alaska DOT briefs Denali Borough on Parks Highway reconstruction and Rex Bridge replacement; detours, heavy truck traffic and construction timelines outlined
Summary
Alaska DOT presented two major projects affecting Denali Borough: the Parks Highway milepost 206–209 reconstruction with a temporary paved detour and heavy hauling planned over two seasons, and the Rex (Nana River) bridge replacement, a multi-year project with a north-side temporary diversion. DOT estimated the Rex bridge construction at roughly $64 million and said the projects will involve high truck volumes and temporary traffic impacts.
Alaska Department of Transportation engineers briefed the Denali Borough Assembly on two near-term transportation projects on the Parks Highway.
Parks Highway (mileposts 206–209): Paul Ecman, DOT project manager, described work to bring vertical and horizontal curves up to current geometric standards, raise grades where frost heave undermines the roadbed, and add a pullout to reduce unsafe roadside parking. The project will require bringing large quantities of material to the corridor, DOT said, and will include a temporary paved detour to the south-side alignment while the Pass Creek bridge is replaced; that detour is expected to be signed at 45 mph during construction. Ecman said the road reconstruction is anticipated to occur over two seasons, starting this summer and aiming to finish in 2027, and that truck traffic and temporary gravel surfacing will be part of the summer work.
Rex (Nana River) bridge replacement: John Natardis, DOT highway design manager, outlined plans to replace the green truss bridge with a variable-depth steel girder structure. DOT plans to install a north-side temporary diversion and a temporary bridge to carry traffic past the work zone, with the diversion intended to support higher speeds (DOT cited a 55-mph target for the diversion). Natardis said DOT expects the Rex project to be staged across multiple construction seasons and estimated roughly $64 million for Rex bridge construction (with the related Parks Highway road work referenced at about $20 million), though exact contract amounts depend on award. The project team said there will be temporary construction easements affecting nearby properties and that DOT will try to minimize business disruptions at the Tatlan Trading Company and other local users.
Community impacts and mitigation: DOT told the assembly there will be occasions when pavement will be removed and motorists will see gravel stretches; pilot cars and flagging will manage traffic where necessary. DOT also noted the contractor will likely source gravel and material from nearby pits; the panel discussed haul routes and the need to manage loose rock from heavy truck operations to reduce risk to travel lanes.
What’s next: DOT expects project advertisement and contractor selection in coming months, with notices to the borough and continued public outreach. Residents asked DOT to clarify haul routes and load-covering requirements; DOT said it would discuss contract provisions about securing loads and follow up through the project engineer and construction manager.
Why it matters: Both projects will temporarily alter travel patterns for residents and visitors in the Denali Borough, increase heavy truck movements and require short-term detours that borough services, businesses and residents should plan around.
