Transportation

Location

Wasilla, AK

Owner

Alaska DoT & Public Facilities

Contractor

Kiewit Pacific Co.

Completion

November 2004

Kiewit Pacific Co., a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, was selected for this $46.9 million design-build, best-value contract that now provides two lanes in each direction and completes the final phase of interchange construction for the Glenn Highway from Eklutna to Parks Highway.

Completed in November 2004, the improved interchange provides safer road conditions, less congestion, eliminates an at-grade railroad crossing, and accommodates the growing number of daily commuters. Furthermore, the new interchange provides a more efficient commercial lifeline to interior Alaska, Fairbanks and the North Slope.

The work included constructing five precast concrete girder bridges, the longest being more than 160-ft., and involved more than 3 million tons of earth embankment. Due to the magnitude of the precast segments, components were fabricated on the U.S. mainland and transported via barge.

Other unique aspects of construction included wetlands protection and restoration. The team also worked closely with the Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect one of Alaska's most delicate ecosystems that serves as a home to large moose and elk populations, and salmon spawning habitat.