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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
Transportation resources study, Study plan Section 15.7 : Initial study
report -- Part A: Sections 1-6, 8-9
SuWa 223
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
DOWL-HKM
AEA-identified category, if specified:
Initial study report
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 223
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014]
Date published:
June 2014
Published for:
Alaska Energy Authority
Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Document type:
Pagination:
155 pages in various pagings
Related work(s):
The following parts of Section 15.7 appear in separate files:
Part A ; Part B ; Part C.
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Notes:
Contents: Part A. Sections 1-6, 8-9 -- Appendix A. Bibliography -- Appendix B. Asset inventory --
Appendix C. Highway data for future traffic, funded projects, and planned projects -- Appendix D.
Aviation data for future operations, funded projects and planned projects -- Appendix E. Rail data
for future traffic, funded projects, and planned projects -- Appendix F. Port data for future
operations, funded projects and planned projects -- Appendix G. Interviews -- Appendix H. Chapter
25, Operations, Wheeled vehicles : commercial vehicle size, weight & permit regulations. (17 AAC
25) -- Appendix I. Municipality of Anchorage truck routes -- Appendix J. Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities seasonal weight restriction.
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Transportation Resources Study
Study Plan Section 15.7
Initial Study Report
Part A: Sections 1-6, 8-9
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
DOWL-HKM
June 2014
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1
2. Study Objectives .................................................................................................................... 1
3. Study Area .............................................................................................................................. 2
4. Methods and Variances in 2013 ............................................................................................ 2
4.1. Collect and Review Data ................................................................................................ 2
4.1.1. Variances................................................................................................................. 2
4.2. Inventory Assets and Conduct Any Field Studies ......................................................... 2
4.2.1. Variances................................................................................................................. 2
4.3. Document Existing Conditions ...................................................................................... 3
4.3.1. Variances................................................................................................................. 3
4.4. Forecast Future Conditions ............................................................................................ 4
4.4.1. Variances................................................................................................................. 4
4.5. Evaluate Effects ............................................................................................................. 4
5. Results ..................................................................................................................................... 5
5.1. Collect and Review Data ................................................................................................ 5
5.2. Inventory Assets and Field Studies ................................................................................ 5
5.3. Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................ 6
5.3.1. Roadways ................................................................................................................ 6
5.3.2. Aviation................................................................................................................... 9
5.3.3. Railroad ................................................................................................................. 10
5.3.4. Ports ...................................................................................................................... 12
5.3.5. Susitna River Transportation ................................................................................ 14
5.3.6. Easements ............................................................................................................. 14
5.4. Future Conditions ......................................................................................................... 15
5.4.1. Roadways .............................................................................................................. 15
5.4.2. Aviation................................................................................................................. 19
5.4.3. Railroad ................................................................................................................. 21
5.4.4. Port ........................................................................................................................ 23
6. Discussion ............................................................................................................................. 25
7. Completing the Study .......................................................................................................... 25
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8. Literature Cited ................................................................................................................... 25
9. Figures .................................................................................................................................. 27
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Bibliography
Appendix B: Asset Inventory
Appendix C: Highway Data for Future Traffic, Funded Projects, and Planned Projects
Appendix D: Aviation Data for Future Operations, Funded Projects and Planned Projects
Appendix E: Rail Data for Future Traffic, Funded Projects, and Planned Projects
Appendix F: Port Data for Future Operations, Funded Projects and Planned Projects
Appendix G: Interview Summaries
Appendix H: Commercial Vehicle Size, Weight & Permit Regulations (17 AAC 25)
Appendix I: Municipality of Anchorage Truck Routes
Appendix J: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Seasonal Weight
Restrictions
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List of Figures
Figure 5.3-1. Weight and Lane Restricted Denali Highway Bridges ........................................... 28
Figure 5.3-2. Study Area RS 2477 and 17(b) Easements ............................................................. 29
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LIST OF ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviation Definition
AAC Alaska Administrative Code
AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic
ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and Game
ADNR Alaska Department of Natural Resources
ADOT&PF Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
AIAS Alaska International Airport System
ALP airport layout plan
AMATS Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions
AMP Airport Master Plan
ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
ARFF Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
ARRC Alaska Railroad Corporation
BLM DOI, Bureau of Land Management
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIA Fairbanks International Airport
FMATS Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System
FTA Federal Transit Administration
FFY federal fiscal year
FY State fiscal year
GA General Aviation
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
ISR Initial Study Report
KGB Knik-Goose Bay
LCV Long Combination Vehicles
LOS Level of Service
LRTP Long Range Transportation Plan
MOA Municipality of Anchorage
MTP Metropolitan Transportation Plan
MP milepost
MSB Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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Abbreviation Definition
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
OCSP Open Cell Sheet Pile
O&M operations and maintenance
PIEP Port Intermodal Expansion Project
POA Port of Anchorage
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241
PTC Positive Train Control
RR Railroad milepost
RS Revised Statute
RSP Revised Study Plan
RV Recreational vehicle
SPD study plan determination
STIP Statewide Improvement Program
Studies Recreation Resources, River Recreation Flow and Access, and Subsistence Resources
Studies
TDM travel demand model
TIP Transportation Improvement Program
TSAIA Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
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1. INTRODUCTION
On December 14, 2012, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) filed with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) its Revised Study Plan (RSP) for the Susitna-
Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241 (Project), which included 58 individual study plans
(AEA 2012). Section 15.7 of the RSP described the Transportation Resources Study. This study
focuses on assessing the current transportation conditions in the study area and evaluating
potential Project demands relative to current capacity limits and safety requirements for road,
railroad, aviation, port, and river traffic. RSP 15.7 provided goals, objectives, and proposed
methods for data collection regarding transportation resources.
On February 1, 2013, FERC staff issued its study plan determination (February 1 SPD) for 44 of
the 58 studies, approving 31 studies as filed and 13 with modifications. RSP Section 15.7 was
one of the 31 studies approved with no modifications.
Following the first study season, FERC’s regulations for the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)
require AEA to “prepare and file with the Commission an initial study report describing its
overall progress in implementing the study plan and schedule and the data collected, including an
explanation of any variance from the study plan and schedule.” (18 CFR 5.15(c)(1)) This Initial
Study Report on the Transportation Resources Study has been prepared in accordance with
FERC’s ILP regulations and details AEA’s status in implementing the study, as set forth in the
FERC-approved RSP (referred to herein as the “Study Plan”).
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The study objectives are established in RSP Section 15.7.1.1.
The Transportation Resources Study will assess current transportation conditions in the study
area and evaluate potential Project demands relative to current capacity limits and safety
requirements for road, railroad, aviation, port, and river traffic. The study will assess the short-
term (construction) and long-term (operational) direct and indirect impacts of the Project, as well
as of the cumulative impacts of the Project. The transportation effects of the Project (With-
Project) will be compared to a Without-Project scenario.
The AEA Project team will use information from this study to identify and coordinate needed
transportation infrastructure improvements with the Alaska Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), the Matanuska-Susitna
Borough (MSB), the Denali Borough, and others. This report will also provide valuable
information for the multidisciplinary analysis of the Project required under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
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3. STUDY AREA
As established in RSP Section 15.7.3, the study area for the Transportation Resources Study
extends north from Anchorage to Fairbanks and east to the Susitna River to cover all relevant
traffic sources, traffic nodes (points where travelers or shippers may select different routes), and
destinations for each mode of transportation. The primary sources and destinations of Project-
related road and railroad traffic will be the Project site, the Port of Anchorage, Port MacKenzie,
and local material sources. The majority of the aviation traffic will originate in populated areas at
primary and smaller general aviation airports.
4. METHODS AND VARIANCES IN 2013
The methods used for this study consisted of the five steps described below.
4.1. Collect and Review Data
During the 2013 study season, AEA implemented the methods for the collection and review of
data as set forth in RSP Section 15.7.4.1, with no variances.
The transportation study team developed a bibliography of existing documents, including recent
transportation reports from AEA (Appendix A), and evaluated the relevance of each document to
the overall study. AEA also compiled information regarding transportation planning projects,
design projects, and any scheduled construction projects for those transportation facilities in the
asset inventory (Appendix B).
4.1.1. Variances
There are no variances to the data collection and review section of this study.
4.2. Inventory Assets and Conduct Any Field Studies
During the 2013 study season, AEA implemented the methods for inventorying assets and
conducting field studies as set forth in RSP Section 15.7.4.2, with the exception of variances
explained below in Section 4.2.1.
AEA developed a transportation asset inventory for the Project area focused on roads, railroads,
bridges, ports, air infrastructure, easements, traffic levels, capacities, and crash and accident
statistics (Appendix B). Information on use of the river for winter transportation is being
gathered from the River Recreation Flow and Access Study (Study 12.7), Subsistence Resources
Study (Study 14.5), and Social Conditions and Public Goods and Services Study (Study 15.6).
4.2.1. Variances
The Ports of Seward and Whittier and the associated rail infrastructure were added to the study
area and included in the asset inventory due to their existing capabilities and their status as year-
round, ice-free ports. Both ports are owned by ARRC, which has plans to construct significant
upgrades to the Port of Seward within the next several years.
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The RSP contemplated including data on bridges in the inventory (RSP Section 15.7.4.2).
However, it was determined by the study team that this data was only relevant if a bridge’s
current structural or functional condition was determined to have a potential adverse impact on
Project-related travel. Because bridge infrastructure is a subcategory of the roadway mode of
transportation, bridge deficiencies were identified during data collection activities for
documenting existing and future roadway conditions and did not require separate analysis.
The study proposed documenting existing river transportation in 2013. River travel data
collection is not complete. The study team is reviewing data collected under the River Recreation
Flow and Access Study (Study 12.7), the Subsistence Resources Study (Study 14.5), and the
Social Conditions and Public Goods and Services Study (Study 15.6). Information from these
studies will inform interviews during the next study season. Completion of this portion of the
study during the next study season will meet the study objectives.
4.3. Document Existing Conditions
During the 2013 study season, AEA implemented the methods for documenting existing
conditions as set forth in RSP Section 15.7.4.3, with the exception of variances explained below
in Section 4.3.1.
Existing transportation infrastructure and traffic levels have been documented to establish
baseline conditions for roads, railroads, ports, and air infrastructure (Appendix B). Much of this
information was gathered from existing sources and supplemental data was collected through
interviews. No additional data collection is needed to establish baseline conditions for roadways,
aviation, railroad, port, or easements. River data documentation is discussed in Section 4.3.1.
Surveys conducted by the River Recreation Flow and Access Study (Study 12.7) and the
Subsistence Resources Study (Study 14.5) included questions on river travel and access to sites
within the study area.
Completed interviews are documented in Appendix G.
4.3.1. Variances
The Ports of Seward and Whittier and the associated rail infrastructure were added to the study
area and included in the existing conditions documentation due to their existing capabilities and
their status as year-round, ice-free ports. Both ports are owned by ARRC, which has plans to
construct significant upgrades to the Port of Seward within the next several years.
Documentation of existing conditions for river transportation was to occur in 2013. Interviews
pertaining to river travel were not conducted specifically for the Transportation Resources Study
for the documentation of current conditions and forecasting future conditions in 2013. Data was
captured through the collection efforts for the Recreation Resources, River Recreation Flow and
Access, and Subsistence Resources Studies (Studies 12.5, 12.7 and 14.5) and literature review.
Once these studies are completed, a data gap analysis can be performed to determine what river
travel data still needs to be collected. Efforts to fill these data gaps and document existing river
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transportation uses will occur in the next study season. This will allow the study to meet its
objectives.
4.4. Forecast Future Conditions
During the 2013 study season, AEA implemented the methods for forecasting future conditions
as set forth in RSP Section 15.7.4.4, with the exception of variances explained below in Section
4.4.1.
Future traffic forecasts have been documented. These forecasts addressed the following issues:
• Existing roads
• Railroad loading and unloading facilities
• Airport facilities
• Scheduled facility improvements, such as improvements proposed for the Denali
Highway
Roadway traffic forecasts were documented based on existing traffic demand models where they
were available and by projecting demand based on historic traffic level trends for some facilities
not included in any traffic demand models. Aviation forecasts were documented based on
existing aviation forecasts in master plans and other documents. Rail and port forecasts were
developed based on interviews with rail and port staff.
4.4.1. Variances
AEA did not complete the forecast of future conditions in 2013 (RSP Section 15.7.4.4).
Specifically, AEA did not complete the forecasts of Project-related construction and operations
traffic, including the proposed transportation/transmission corridors, other facilities to support
fueling maintenance, and operations, possible staging areas, and temporary improvements for
construction. The Study Plan contemplates the use of the Trip Generation to forecast future
roadway traffic levels. However, the Trip Generation (ITE 2008.) manual does not have
information for hydroelectric dam construction and operations. As provided in the Study Plan
(RSP Sections 15.7.7, 15.7.11), the study will develop forecasts based on information provided
by the Project engineering and feasibility studies, such as construction employment and timing,
workforce locations, and construction material scheduling and transportation information.
Because these other studies were ongoing in 2013, the forecast of future conditions contemplated
in the Study Plan were deferred pending the completion of these other studies.
4.5. Evaluate Effects
In 2013, AEA did not implement the methods described in the Study Plan related to the
evaluation effects and no work was completed for this study component (RSP Section 15.7.4.4).
While this is a variance from the approved Study Plan, AEA will meet the study objectives by
completing this work in the next study season.
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5. RESULTS
5.1. Collect and Review Data
AEA compiled numerous documents identifying current conditions on transportation facilities
within the study area. A bibliography of documents used to compile existing information is
included in Appendix A. These documents include, but are not limited to, planning studies, fact
sheets, traffic reports, layout plans, and master plans written by various public agencies.
Coordination with agencies having jurisdiction over transportation facilities and adjacent lands
began early and has been ongoing.
5.2. Inventory Assets and Field Studies
An asset inventory was completed for all modes of transportation included in this study with the
exception of river transportation. This asset inventory is in Appendix B and an outline of
included data for each mode is presented below. Data from the asset inventory was then used in
conjunction with additional data identified in Appendix A to determine existing transportation
facility conditions within the study area. Due to the qualitative nature of available river travel
along the Susitna River, tables were not included for river travel in Appendix B. However,
information on current conditions is included below in Section 5.3.5.
• Roadways (14 assets inventoried)
o Ownership, length, Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), functional
classification, Level of Service (LOS), maintenance costs, crash data
• Aviation (11 assets inventoried)
o Air miles from project site, owner, average daily operations, maintenance costs,
runway name/type, runway dimensions, lighting, services availability, crash data,
design aircraft
• Railroad (9 assets inventoried)
o Current average arrivals/departures per day for freight in summer and winter,
current average arrivals/departures per day for passenger service in summer and
winter
• Port (4 assets inventoried)
o Ownership, annual vessel calls, acreage, dock/facilities, draft depth, primary
commodities, maintenance costs, ice conditions
• Easements (32 assets inventoried)
o Revised Statute (RS) 2477 (14 assets inventoried)
Number, trail name, length, primary access location
o 17(b) (18 assets inventoried)
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Number, width, length, region, quadrant, allowable uses, managing
agency, primary access
5.3. Existing Conditions
The results of the Existing Conditions analysis appear below.
5.3.1. Roadways
Data on existing highway conditions, including AADT and length, were obtained through the use
of electronic databases such as the ADOT&PF Highway DataPort and available reports and
plans, such as the Regional Annual Traffic Volume Reports, the MSB Long Range
Transportation Plan (LRTP), and the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions
(AMATS) Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Data requests were also fulfilled by
ADOT&PF staff.
Roadway data for existing conditions are presented in Appendix B, as identified in Section 5.2 of
this report. Additional data are presented in this Section 5.3.1, to include characteristics such as
seasonal travel variations, Safety Corridor designations, and variations in AADT by highway
segment. The existing conditions data for roadway travel have met the needs of the study in
determining a baseline scenario.
Unless otherwise noted, the legal vehicle size and weight listed in 17 Alaska Administrative
Code (AAC) 25.012—.013 (Appendix H) is permitted on each roadway. Information on weight
restrictions, including seasonal weight restrictions, can be found in Appendices J and K.
5.3.1.1. Denali Highway, Milepost (MP) 78 to 133
The Denali Highway is a rural two-lane, roadway owned and maintained by ADOT&PF. It is
north of the Susitna River and south of Fairbanks, and extends from Paxson on the Richardson
Highway to Cantwell on the Parks Highway, totaling 135 miles in length. Approximately 110
miles are unpaved; pavement extends east from the Parks Highway for three miles and west from
the Richardson Highway for 21 miles. The highway passes through the Denali, Matanuska-
Susitna, and Unorganized Boroughs. The highway is open to vehicle traffic from mid-May to
mid-October each year, with the exception of the 3 miles nearest Cantwell, which is open year-
round to allow access to residential areas. Winter travel along the highway is exclusively by
snowmobile and dogsled. Accommodations and services are minimal along the corridor, with the
highway primarily serving as access to recreation and subsistence areas.
The roadway experiences a low AADT and maintains a reasonably free flow of traffic (Appendix
B). Capacity for heavy truck traffic is limited on this highway by weight restrictions imposed on
the Brushkana Creek Bridge (MP 104). Currently, truck traffic is limited to a maximum weight
of 9 tons per axle. Additionally, traffic is limited to one-way on the Seattle Creek Bridge (MP
110) due to deficient pilings. See Figure 5.3-1.
ADOT&PF spent approximately $286,000 to maintain the Denali Highway MP 78 to 133 in
State Fiscal Year (FY) 13.
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5.3.1.2. Parks Highway, MP 35 to 356
Owned and maintained by ADOT&PF, the Parks Highway extends 323 miles from the Glenn
Highway, 35 miles north of Anchorage, to Fairbanks. The route traverses the Matanuska-Susitna,
Denali, Fairbanks North Star, and Unorganized Boroughs. This paved, predominantly two-lane
highway is part of the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System and is the most direct highway
route connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks. Daily levels of traffic vary significantly by highway
segment, as does traffic flow (Appendix B), with highest traffic volumes and increased
congestion occurring in the vicinity of Wasilla.
MP 44.5 to 53, between Wasilla and Houston, is a Designated Safety Corridor, with special
focus on congestion mitigation and a reduction in crash rates (note this designation does not
impose restrictions on freight vehicles).
Combination trucks with multiple trailers and/or extended length trailers, called Long
Combination Vehicles (LCV), are permitted along the Parks Highway. Allowable lengths are
outlined in 17 AAC 25.014 (Appendix H).
ADOT&PF spent approximately $8.1 million for the maintenance of the Parks Highway in
FY13.
5.3.1.3. Glenn Highway, MP 0 to 35
The Glenn Highway is an Eisenhower Interstate System Highway that extends from Anchorage
to Glennallen, ending at its junction with the Richardson Highway at MP 189. The MP 0 to 35
segment within the study area consists of three paved through lanes of traffic in each direction.
The highway is owned and maintained by ADOT&PF and is recognized as a major freight
distribution route that connects Anchorage with other Alaskan communities on the road system,
Canada and the Lower 48. Total daily traffic volumes vary significantly by highway segment and
are highest in Anchorage and surrounding areas. Traffic flow is characterized by stable flows
(see Appendix B) in Anchorage, though heavy congestion is experienced by commuters traveling
into Anchorage during the AM peak hours and by commuters traveling out of Anchorage during
the PM peak hours, resulting in potential delays during these periods.
LCV truck traffic is permitted on the Glenn Highway within the study area. Allowable lengths
are outlined in 17 AAC 25.014 (Appendix H).
ADOT&PF spent approximately $2.4 million in maintenance for MP 0 to 35 of the Glenn
Highway in FY13.
5.3.1.4. MSB Roads Accessing Port MacKenzie
Point MacKenzie Road and Knik-Goose Bay (KGB) Road are located within the MSB and are
both primarily two-lane, paved roadways. Point MacKenzie and KGB Roads together are the
only designated truck route accessing Port MacKenzie. Point MacKenzie Road is 20 miles long
and is owned and maintained by the MSB. It begins at KGB Road and ends near Port
MacKenzie. The current AADT is low, consisting primarily of heavy truck traffic associated
with Port MacKenzie, traffic associated with the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm and Goose
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Creek Correctional Center, and traffic accessing homes, farms, and hunting and fishing sites.
KGB Road is 19 miles long, beginning at the Parks Highway in Wasilla and ending at the Goose
Bay Airstrip. This road is owned and maintained by ADOT&PF and was designated as a Safety
Corridor in 2009. The facility is nearing capacity and frequently experiences delays.
ADOT&PF’s maintenance costs for KGB Road totaled approximately $466,000 in FY13. MSB
costs for maintaining Port MacKenzie Road were approximately $105,000 in FY13.
5.3.1.5. Burma, Big Lake and Vine Roads
Burma, Big Lake, and Vine Roads are located within the MSB southwest of Wasilla. Burma and
Big Lake Roads provide alternate access from the Parks Highway to Port MacKenzie, avoiding
Wasilla traffic and the KGB Road Safety Corridor. Vine Road connects the Parks Highway to
MP 6 of KGB Road. Big Lake Road is owned and maintained by ADOT&PF and Burma Road is
owned and maintained by MSB. ADOT&PF owns and maintains Vine Road from KGB Road to
Hollywood Road. From Hollywood Road to the Parks Highway, ownership and maintenance
responsibility belong to the MSB.
Burma Road is a narrow unpaved road serving local traffic, providing access to residential and
recreational destinations, and has a low AADT. Big Lake and Vine Roads, both of which are
two-lane, paved roads, experience increased levels of traffic, moving higher numbers of residents
from their homes to business centers such as Wasilla and Anchorage. These low to moderate
AADTs allow for a reasonably free flow of traffic through the area.
In FY13, ADOT&PF spent approximately $215,000 to maintain Big Lake and Vine Roads. MSB
spent $56,000 to maintain Burma and Vine Roads.
5.3.1.6. Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) Roads Accessing the Port of Anchorage
(POA)
Truck routes accessing the POA include A and C Streets, and 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues within
the MOA. Each is a paved, one-way roadway within the study area; generally with two to three
lanes. ADOT&PF owns A Street and sections of C Street, and 5th and 6th Avenues. MOA owns
3rd and 4th Avenues and sections of C Street, and 5th and 6th Avenues. Both agencies work
cooperatively to maintain these roadways through maintenance agreements. AADTs and delay
times increase on each roadway as it approaches the Glenn Highway and the Ingra and Gambell
Street intersections, which access the Seward Highway.
Truck traffic is limited to defined roadway segments, as identified in the MOA’s Downtown
Truck Routes and Double Load Maps (Appendix I). The MOA imposes seasonal weight
restrictions on MOA-owned roads in addition to the seasonal weight restrictions imposed by
ADOT&PF on State-owned roads (Appendix J).
ADOT&PF spent approximately $260,000 maintaining these area roads in FY13. MOA spending
on these roads in FY13 is not available.
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5.3.2. Aviation
This section discusses both the international and General Aviation (GA) airports within the study
area. Aviation data was collected primarily by using airport master plans and airport layout plans
(ALPs). Information for airports without master plans and/or updated ALPs was provided via
phone by ADOT&PF regional staff.
Aviation data is presented in Appendix B (see Section 5.2). Data relating to weight restrictions,
ARFF services, and annual enplanements for international airports can be found in Sections
5.3.2.1 through 5.3.2.3. No additional data is needed to determine baseline conditions.
5.3.2.1. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
TSAIA is located 124 air miles south of the Project site in Anchorage. It is the largest and busiest
airport in Alaska and ranks second in the United States for landed weight of cargo aircraft. It is
part of the Alaska International Airport System (AIAS) and is owned and operated by
ADOT&PF. TSAIA is the closest airport to the Project site able to accommodate larger aircraft
that could fly to the Project site, such as the Boeing 737 and the Lockheed C-130. TSAIA is the
only airport in Alaska with a functioning intermodal connection to the Alaska Railroad, though
the rail connection is used exclusively for passenger service.
TSAIA offers state-of-the-art landing systems and terminal facilities, and three asphalt runways.
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services and air traffic control services are provided
and all other aviation services are available, including fueling and aircraft maintenance. In 2012,
TSAIA deplaned 17 million tons of cargo, had over 2.25 million enplanements, and had 275,000
aircraft operations equating to approximately 753 operations per day.
TSAIA could accommodate all aircraft required to support the Project. Though exceptions can be
made, it is important to note that TSAIA has some limited weight restrictions for various aircraft
gear configurations.
The ADOT&PF currently spends $57 million dollars per year on operations and maintenance
(O&M) at TSAIA.
5.3.2.2. Fairbanks International Airport
Fairbanks International Airport (FIA) is located in Fairbanks, 140 air miles north of the Project
site. It is Alaska’s second busiest airport and is also part of the AIAS, under ownership of
ADOT&PF. FIA serves as a weather diversion airport for TSAIA and is a primary hub for
tourism and air service to rural communities in northern Alaska.
FAI is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Lockheed C-130,
offers comparable services to TSAIA, and has two asphalt runways, a gravel runway, and a water
lane. On average, FIA serves 332 aircraft operations daily.
Like TSAIA, this airport could accommodate all aircraft required to support the Project. FIA also
imposes weight restrictions based on aircraft gear configurations, though exceptions can be
made.
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FY13 operations and maintenance costs for FIA were $14.4 million.
5.3.2.3. General Aviation Airports
Nine GA airports within the study area may be impacted by, or play a role in, the development of
the Project.
• Lake Hood Seaplane Base & Lake Hood Strip Airport
• Merrill Field
• Wasilla Airport
• Palmer Airport
• Willow Airport and Willow Seaplane Base
• Talkeetna Airport
• Nenana Municipal Airport
• Healy River Airport
• Summit Airport
Availability of services varies among these airports. Five of the nine GA airports are owned and
operated by ADOT&PF, with the additional four owned and maintained by local governments.
Table B.5 in Appendix B summarizes characteristics such as ownership, average daily
operations, and available facilities and services for these airports. Accident reports are
summarized for all airports within the study area in Table B.6 (Appendix B). Though the above
airports cannot accommodate large aircraft carrying heavy freight, their proximity to the Project
site makes them candidates for potential participation in Project-related emergency and support
services (including helicopter operations) and for access during construction and operations.
Within the vicinity of the Project site air traffic control is minimal and GA traffic should be
considered when planning and executing operations near the Project site.
5.3.3. Railroad
The majority of existing conditions data for ARRC was provided through interviews with ARRC
staff and ARRC fact sheets made available to the public via the ARRC website. A
comprehensive list of the resources can be found in Appendix A.
Railroad data is presented in Appendix B. Though there are nine rail locations included in the
asset inventory and baseline scenario, operations data were not provided for five locations.
Cantwell, Chulitna, and Gold Creek are not regularly scheduled stops along any of ARRC’s
routes, Curry Quarry does not serve passengers and is used only to provide riprap material for
ARRC projects, and the Port MacKenzie rail extension is not yet complete. No additional
railroad data is needed to determine baseline conditions.
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is a full-service freight and passenger railroad linking
Southcentral ports and Railbelt communities to urban areas such as Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The main line track, running from Seward to Fairbanks, parallels the Seward and Parks Highway
along much of its 470-mile long corridor.
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ARRC can provide transport of large freight, including Project-related construction materials.
System-wide, the railroad is operating at 30-50% capacity and has sufficient capacity for
additional operations. Table B.8 (Appendix B) identifies average daily arrivals and departures for
summer and winter between 2007 and 2013 for Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, and Whittier.
ARRC spent approximately $120 million for system-wide O&M in FY13.
5.3.3.1. Anchorage
The Anchorage Rail Yard is located in downtown Anchorage, adjacent to the POA. It is the
primary hub between the port facilities in Anchorage, Whittier, and Seward, and the northern
terminus in Fairbanks, and is used for passenger operations, staging freight, classifying and
sorting railcars, and providing maintenance for the fleet. Freight service remains consistent
throughout the year, while passenger service is reduced in the winter months (see Appendix B).
The current length of the Anchorage Rail Yard results in occasional inefficiencies in receiving
and sorting railcars and the lack of adequate heated storage requires that a high number of cars
remain exposed to the elements while plugged into an electrical power source outdoors.
Additionally, congestion mitigation measures are needed to address the roadway intersection at
Whitney Road and C Street. Delays are often experienced at this intersection due to high
volumes of heavy truck traffic exiting POA and the close proximity of three at-grade railroad
crossings.
5.3.3.2. Curry Quarry
Curry Quarry is located near the abandoned Curry Townsite 22 air miles northeast of Talkeetna
at ARRC MP 248. It is only accessible by rail and by boat via the Talkeetna River. Developed to
provide a cost-effective source of ballast and rip-rap, Curry Quarry is expected to have a 50- to
100-year life. A 1.5-mile access road used by heavy trucks to shuttle material from the quarry
connects the quarry to the newly constructed loop track installed by ARRC in 2007. An existing
air strip at the site has been integrated into the laydown, loadout, and process area and is no
longer a functioning air strip.
5.3.3.3. Gold Creek, Chulitna, and Cantwell
Gold Creek, Chulitna, and Cantwell, at ARRC MPs 263, 274, and 319, are currently whistlestops
on ARRC’s mainline passenger service schedules. The Gold Creek and Chulitna whistlestops are
not accessible by road and are most often used by those accessing remote recreation properties.
The Cantwell location is also used for recreation purposes, but is connected to the Parks
Highway via Cantwell Road. Gold Creek and Chulitna have a single siding and lack terminal
facilities similar to those in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Whittier, and Seward. Cantwell has two small
ramps and a single small structure. Schedules for these stops are determined by arrival and
departure schedules in Anchorage and Fairbanks in both summer and winter.
5.3.3.4. Fairbanks
The Fairbanks Rail Yard is located northwest of downtown Fairbanks and serves as the primary
hub between Anchorage and Eielson Air Force Base via the Eielson Branch Line, which extends
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29.4 miles beyond the Fairbanks Rail Yard. Like Anchorage, Fairbanks is used for passenger
operations, staging freight, classifying and sorting railcars, and providing maintenance for the
fleet. Freight service remains consistent throughout the year, while passenger service is reduced
in the winter months (Appendix B).
Operations staff has indicated that a longer rail yard would increase operational efficiency and
that increased clearances at grade-separated crossings would facilitate the movement of
oversized loads moving through Fairbanks. Replacing existing at-grade crossings with grade-
separated crossings would reduce roadway traffic congestion.
5.3.3.5. Seward
Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is the southern terminus of ARRC’s main line. ARRC
owns the commercial port facilities in Seward, including the rail infrastructure and the Seward
Coal Loading Facility. Passenger service to Seward is offered from May to September,
accounting for 75 percent of Seward’s arrivals/departures during the summer months; freight
operations continue year-round (Appendix B). Annually, 600 tons of low-sulfur, high-grade coal
is sent by rail from the Usibelli Coal Mine in Healy to Seward for shipment to foreign markets.
Barged building and industrial materials are sent north on the railroad.
5.3.3.6. Whittier
Whittier is located on the northeast shore of the Kenai Peninsula on Passage Canal,
approximately 60 road miles southeast of Anchorage. The commercial port facility and rail line
are owned and operated by ARRC. Rail service to Whittier includes both passenger and freight
service in the summer months and is limited to freight service in the winter months. As identified
in Table B.8 (Appendix B), Whittier averages four freight arrivals/departures each day year-
round, making it the second busiest rail yard in Alaska in terms of freight.
A limiting factor in moving freight from Whittier is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This
tunnel is the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America. As such, through
movement of train traffic is limited by the tunnel’s dimensions and by the vehicle schedule for
the tunnel. Additionally, the presence of at-grade crossings on main thoroughfares in Whittier
creates conflict with vehicular traffic.
5.3.4. Ports
Interviews with ARRC provided information for the ports of Seward and Whittier. This
information was supplemented by interviews with City of Seward and City of Whittier staff and
the Seward Terminal Reserve Dock Facilities Master Plan. Interviews were also conducted with
POA and Port MacKenzie staff and master plans were reviewed for both of these facilities.
In addition to the port data presented in Appendix B, information is provided below on
characteristics such as vessel accommodation capabilities, geographic location, and current
capacity issues.
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5.3.4.1. Port MacKenzie
Port MacKenzie is the northern-most deep-draft port in America and the closest deep-draft port
to Alaska’s Interior. It is located across Knik Arm from the MOA and is owned and operated by
the MSB at an annual cost of approximately $750,000. As it has only recently been developed
and has limited existing infrastructure, the number of annual vessel calls has been less than ten.
Port MacKenzie has 7,621 acres of uplands available for commercial and industrial development
and includes a ferry dock, a barge dock, and a deep-water dock that can accommodate some of
the largest ships in the world, including Panamax and Capesize vessels. Port MacKenzie
primarily serves as a bulk commodities port, with shipments consisting of wood chips, saw logs,
coal, sand/gravel, cement, and scrap metal. Recent infrastructure improvements have increased
the Port’s capabilities, allowing for the transloading of vehicles, heavy equipment,
mobile/modular buildings, and containerized loads in addition to bulk commodities.
The number and variety of shipments are expected to increase when the Port MacKenzie Rail
Extension project is complete (see Section 5.3.3.3 of this report).
5.3.4.2. Port of Anchorage
POA is adjacent to downtown Anchorage and is owned and operated by MOA. As the busiest
port in the state, POA experiences approximately 450 vessel calls each year, with four million
tons of goods and materials moving through the Port annually. Additionally, the Port has been
identified by the U.S. Department of Defense as a Nationally Strategic Seaport.
POA encompasses 220 acres, including three cargo terminals, one dry berth, two petroleum
terminals, one small craft floating dock, three regional pipelines, and two ARRC rail spurs.
Commodities that move through the Port include petroleum products, bulk cement, containerized
consumer goods, and non-containerized vehicles, including recreational vehicles (RVs), military
vehicles, and construction equipment. Recently, POA has been receiving occasional cruise ship
traffic.
In 2012 O&M costs for POA were approximately $7.8 million. The Port’s aging infrastructure is
in need of repair and major upgrades have been underway for the last several years.
5.3.4.3. Port of Seward
The Port of Seward is approximately 125 road miles south of Anchorage on Resurrection Bay
near Seward’s Small Boat Harbor. The port facilities in Seward sit on 328 acres and include a
coal loading facility and dock, a passenger dock, terminal, a freight dock and supporting uplands,
and the Seward Yard and operating tracks. The port is owned and operated by ARRC. Seward is
used to import and export goods and serves the tourism industry. Cargo containers and vehicles
such as busses and RVs arrive year-round, as do cargo shipments bound for the North Slope oil
fields. Coal is Seward’s primary export. Seward serves a significant number of cruise ships;
receiving about 56 per summer.
Seward is currently running at maximum freight dock capacity, with loaded vessels often circling
Resurrection Bay while waiting for dock space. (See section 5.3.4.3 for a discussion on ARRC’s
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port expansion efforts.) The freight revenue at the Seward Dock has increased 142% since 2008,
with the facility serving over 40 customers This port remains ice-free year-round and serves as
the back-up port for the POA when winter ice prevents passage through Cook Inlet.
5.3.4.4. Port of Whittier
The Whittier port facility is owned and operated by ARRC. It encompasses approximately 291
acres, and includes ARRC’s barge dock, an additional dock referred to as the Army Dock
(jointly owned by ARRC and the City of Whittier), the Alaska Marine Highway System dock
and terminal facilities, and a private cruise ship dock. Primarily serving as an import port for
railcars, container traffic, and break-bulk goods, Whittier experiences approximately 90 vessel
calls per year; primarily barge traffic. These vessels most often carry oil field supplies,
machinery, bulk goods such as insulation, lumber, pipe, chemical products such as liquefied
petroleum gas, and drilling mud.
Whittier is running at 50% capacity within the current operating mode and remains ice-free year-
round.
5.3.5. Susitna River Transportation
The Susitna River is a 313-mile river in Southcentral Alaska that originates at the Susitna Glacier
and empties into Cook Inlet 24 miles west of Anchorage. Access to the river via road and rail is
limited, with only two vehicle bridges and one railroad bridge crossing. Highway crossings are
located at MP 104 of the Parks Highway and MP 79 of the Denali Highway. The railroad bridge
crosses the river at ARRC MP 264. Several communities are located adjacent to the river,
including Willow and Talkeetna, as are a number of private lodges, cabins, and other recreational
sites. Further discussion of recreation facilities can be found in the Recreation Resources Study
(Study 12.5).
Travel along the river is generally for the purposes of gaining access to adjacent properties,
recreating and participating in subsistence activities. Thus, common activities along the corridor
are related to hunting, fishing, mining, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing. The primary modes of
travel during the winter months are snowmobile, skis, and dog sled. During the ice-free summer
months between May and October, primary modes include small motor boat, kayak, canoe, and
raft. For additional information on recreation activities, see the River Recreation Flow and
Access Study (Study 12.7). Additional information on access for subsistence activities in
included in the Subsistence Study (Study 14.5).
Several additional interviews are needed to complete the Future Conditions Report and ongoing
coordination with other studies will be necessary in the next study season.
5.3.6. Easements
RS 2477 routes were identified using Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR)
geospatial data. ADNR fact sheets provided additional information such as the language found in
the Mining Law of 1866 and the rules for using RS 2477 rights-of-ways and the Recreation
Resources Study (Study 12.5) identified route characteristics such as length and primary access.
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Datasets compiled for the Recreation Resources Study (Study 12.5) were used in identifying the
locations and characteristics of 17(b) easements, including width and allowable uses. Figure
5.3-2 shows the location of the RS 2477 and 17(b) easements within the study area.
5.3.6.1. RS 2477 Easements
Revised Statute (RS) 2477, of the Mining Law of 1866, provides states access across federal land
that is not currently reserved for public use. Though the law was repealed in 1976, pre-existing
rights were not removed and today there are fourteen RS 2477 easements within the study area
that provide access across federally managed lands. These fourteen easements, managed
predominantly by the State of Alaska, are identified in Appendix B.
5.3.6.2. 17(b) Easements
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) provided for easements for access to public
lands across lands conveyed to Alaska Native Corporations. These easements are described as
17(b) easements, based on the provisions for them in ANCSA. The 17(b) easements in the
Project area range from 25- to 60-foot easements and are managed by the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM ). These easements are used by the public for a multitude of activities,
including fishing, snow machining, and camping. The twelve existing 17(b) easements in the
study area are listed in Appendix B, Table B.12.
5.4. Future Conditions
Funded and planned infrastructure improvements are identified to allow the Project team and
regulatory agencies to determine if additional improvements would be needed to meet or
mitigate for, transportation demands related to the Project. Data for projected operations,
currently funded projects, and planned projects, by mode (except river travel), can be found in
Appendices C through F. Projects presented in these appendices are limited to those projects
affecting capacity and safety, and those allowing for potential development in the future, such as
the acquisition of land adjacent to airports.
Projects discussed in Section 5.4 and the associated appendices are often funded and planned
through partnerships between multiple agencies. Completion of a project is contingent upon the
availability of funds and agency resources. Thus, construction of a project currently planned or in
development cannot be guaranteed until construction funding has been obligated. Similarly,
identification of a project in a planning document in no way guarantees eventual project
development.
5.4.1. Roadways
Future operations values for highways were determined using one of two methodologies: 1)
determining a growth rate based on historic traffic count data or 2) interpolating data using
existing traffic models. With little exception, highway facilities within the study area are
expected to see at least minimal increases in AADT.
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Funded projects found in Appendix C were gathered from multiple data sources, including the
Statewide Improvement Program (STIP), the State of Alaska Capital and Operating Budgets, the
AMATS Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the spending plans for the MSB.
The list of planned (unfunded) highway projects included in Appendix C was compiled using
several planning documents, including, but not limited to, the AMATS MTP and the MSB
LRTP.
5.4.1.1. Denali Highway, MP 78 to 133
Currently, there is one funded capital improvement project along the Denali Highway within the
study area. This project will reconstruct the Seattle Creek Bridge at MP 110, eliminating the
need for the posted one-lane restriction. The Brushkana Creek Bridge at MP 104 will maintain
the posted weight restrictions until such a time that money is made available to rehabilitate or
replace the structure. There are no planned, unfunded projects for the Denali Highway within the
study area.
Growth rates extrapolated from historic traffic count data indicate that annual average daily
traffic is decreasing along the Denali Highway within the study area (see Appendix C).
5.4.1.2. Parks Highway, MP 35 to 356
Nine Parks Highway construction projects have been or are anticipated to be funded by FHWA
within the next several years. Three projects will address safety and capacity issues between
Lucus Road and Big Lake Road by adding additional through lanes, auxiliary lanes, illumination,
and enhancing pedestrian facilities.
The Parks Highway between MP 163 and 188 will be rehabilitated or reconstructed, to include
the replacement of several bridges, the realignment of approximately three miles of road, and
construction of a roadway base better able to accommodate heavy truck traffic.
Numerous passing lanes will be installed between the vicinity of Little Coal Creek (MP 163) and
Nenana (MP 305) to accommodate increased truck traffic and improve safety throughout the
corridor. This project has been broken into two phases based on funding, but both are anticipated
to begin construction in 2014.
The at-grade railroad crossing located in Broad Pass (MP 194) will be removed in 2014 and
replaced with a highway overpass after the realignment of approximately one mile of the Parks
Highway. In addition, the Middle Fork Bridge will be replaced.
The Riley Creek Bridge at the entrance to Denali National Park (MP 238) will be replaced and
will include the construction of auxiliary lanes for turning vehicles and enhanced non-motorized
facilities to detract pedestrians and bicyclist from interacting with vehicular traffic.
The Parks Highway will be rehabilitated between Healy (MP 252) and the vicinity of Rock
Creek Road (MP 263). Similar to the MP 163 to MP 188 projects, this project will construct a
roadway base better able to accommodate heavy truck traffic. It will also construct passing lanes
in select locations.
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Three planned projects can be found in the MSB LRTP, each of which is to increase capacity and
mobility.
Traffic forecasts for the Parks Highway in Appendix C (Table C.1) have been divided into three
sections based on the extent of existing travel demand models (TDM). The first section is the
segment of highway within the MSB’s TDM, the second is the segment contained within the
Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System (FMATS) TDM, and the third segment is
the portion between MSB and FMATS that is not represented in a TDM.
Traffic volumes along the Parks Highway from the FMATS boundary to the intersection with the
Richardson Highway are projected by FMATS to triple to approximately 34,000 by 2030, while
the section of the Parks Highway not represented in a TDM has a much lower expected AADT;
2,513 by 2030 (Appendix C, Table C.1).
5.4.1.3. Glenn Highway, MP 0 to 35
There are three funded projects on the Glenn Highway. The Glenn Highway Continuous
Lighting project specifically addresses the safety concern arising from the lack of adequate
illumination along the highway between Eklutna and the Matanuska River.
The Hiland to Artillery Capacity Improvements project will upgrade the Glenn Highway to
increase capacity, which may include the construction of additional lanes, widened bridges, and
reserved space for future HOV lanes.
The Glenn Highway/Muldoon Road Interchange Reconstruction project will reconstruct the
interchange to current standards, allowing for larger truck loads to travel the Glenn Highway
without needing to detour around the overpass.
The Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS) Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (MTP) plans to construct a partial interchange at Farm Avenue within the
next decade.
Traffic levels along the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and the Parks Highway junction are
expected to steadily increase over the next two decades (Appendix C, Table C.1).
5.4.1.4. MSB Roads Accessing Port MacKenzie
Two large-scale projects are currently funded for Knik-Goose Bay Road. In addition, several
million dollars in Safety Corridor Improvements funding is available to augment these and other
projects along the roadway.
The Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction: Centaur Avenue to Vine Road project will widen
this segment of KGB Road to a four-lane divided roadway, will construct bicycle/pedestrian
facilities, and will include safety engineering strategies to reduce crashes. Because of high
construction costs, this project is likely to be phased.
The Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction: Vine Road to Settlers Bay project will also
reconstruct KGB Road to a four-lane divided facility and include bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
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Turn pockets, access control, lighting, and other engineering solutions to address safety will be
incorporated.
The Safety Corridor Improvements project is State-funded and may be used on several KGB
Road projects, including those mentioned above.
One project is under construction on Point MacKenzie Road. As a carryover from a 2013 paving
project, the remaining 0.2 miles of Point MacKenzie Road entering Port MacKenzie will be
paved in 2014.
The MSB LRTP identifies segments of both KGB and Point MacKenzie Roads that are in need
of reconstruction and that are not addressed in the projects listed above.
5.4.1.5. Burma, Big Lake, and Vine Roads
State funding has been appropriated for the South Big Lake Road Realignment project, which
will construct two and a half miles of new roadway between the intersection of Susitna Parkway
and Burma Road, and the intersection of South Big Lake Road and Jade Lane. This facility will
increase both safety and mobility in the Big Lake area.
The Vine Road and Pathway Upgrade project has been funded through design and environmental
work through the sale of bonds. This project will widen and rehabilitate Vine Road from the
Parks Highway to Hollywood Boulevard and will add a multi-use pathway adjacent to the
roadway.
The MSB LRTP identifies three future reconstruction projects as needed. The Big Lake Road
Reconstruction project would reconstruct Big Lake Road between North Shore Drive and the
Parks Highway to create a 4-lane facility and the Burma Road Reconstruction project would
reconstruct Burma Road between Big Lake Road and Point MacKenzie Road. In the FY09
Capital Budget, $5,000,000 in State general funds was appropriated to a Burma Road Upgrade
project, but these funds were reappropriated to the South Big Lake Road Realignment project in
FY13.
The third reconstruction project identified in the MSB LRTP is the reconstruction of Vine Road
from the Parks Highway to KGB Road. The needs identified through this project are being
partially addressed in the Vine Road and Pathway Upgrade project identified above.
5.4.1.6. MOA Roads Accessing the Port of Anchorage
Though several projects addressing safety and/or capacity will occur on facilities directly
adjacent to the roadways identified in Section 3, none are funded or planned on these facilities.
However, several studies and plans for Anchorage/AMATS may be completed in the near future,
such as the AMATS MTP and a freight mobility study, that provide suggestions for projects on
A and C Streets, and 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues.
Projections derived from the current MOA travel demand model indicate an increase in traffic
volumes on each of these routes (Appendix C, Table C.1).
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5.4.2. Aviation
Future operations values for airports within the study area were determined based on growth
rates identified in the airports’ master plans. It is anticipated that daily operations will increase
between now and 2030 with the exception of two airports, Healy River and Summit.
Funded aviation projects were identified using the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), airport
spending plans, and the State of Alaska Capital and Operating Budgets, while planned projects
were identified in the airports’ master planning documents.
5.4.2.1. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
A number of projects will occur at TSAIA over the next several years, addressing safety,
capacity, and operations. Three of these projects relate specifically to the upgrade and/or
replacement of fire training and rescue facilities, including the structure fire training facility, the
aircraft firefighting training facility, and the fire rescue building at the former Kulis Air National
Guard Base.
TSAIA plans to construct several large-scale capital projects under an Airfield Pavement
Reconstruction and Maintenance program. The FFY14 and FFY15 funding will rehabilitate
Runway 7L/25R, one of two east-west runways at TSAIA. The project will remove worn asphalt,
replace unsuitable subgrade soils, rehabilitate the storm drainage system, replace runway
lighting, and repave, stripe, and sign the runway.
The FFY16 Airfield Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance funds will rehabilitate Taxiways
T and R. Worn asphalt and other appurtenances will be replaced on the taxiway parallel to the
north-south runway and on one of taxiways that are perpendicular to the north-south runway.
In FFY18, Airfield Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance funds will rehabilitate Taxiway F
and will rehabilitate and widen Runway 15/33. Rehabilitation activities similar to those
previously mentioned will occur on the taxiway running perpendicularly to Runway 7R, which
provides access to the South Air Park, and TSAIA’s only north-south, and longest, runway.
TSAIA has not finalized scoping details for the project(s) associated with the FY17 Airfield
Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance funding.
In FFY15, TSAIA will widen the safety areas and object free areas on each side of Taxiways Y
and K in order to meet aircraft standards for large aircraft (Design Group VI; see Appendix B);
Taxiway Y from Taxiway K to Taxiway S, and Taxiway K from Taxiway J to Taxiway C.
In FFY18 TSAIA will, contingent upon funding, rehabilitate the east/west parallel taxiway,
Taxiway K. TSAIA also intends to construct an access road to the South Air Park.
TSAIA’s Airport Master Plan (AMP) is currently being updated and is expected to be complete
by mid-2014, at which time an updated set of planned projects will be available. No planned
project data for TSAIA is presented in Table D.3 in Appendix D.
Based on the TSAIA Master Plan forecasts, TSAIA is expected to exceed 280,000 annual
operations by 2030.
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5.4.2.2. Fairbanks International Airport
There are two large capital projects relating to safety and security that will be constructed within
the next two to three years at FIA. In addition, several other small projects will be funded
through ongoing programs such as the State funded equipment program, annual improvements
program, and facility improvements, renovations, and upgrades program.
The Fairbanks International ARFF Facility Upgrades project will construct new buildings for de-
icing and sand storage and add two new vehicle bays to the existing ARFF facilities. This will
improve efficiencies in providing traction on the runways during the winter months.
The Fairbanks International Security Upgrades project will upgrade the airport’s security
systems.
The Fairbanks International Master Plan is being updated at this time; a final plan is scheduled to
be complete July 2014. This plan will contain an updated list of identified airport needs. For this
reason, Table D.3 in Appendix D does not contain planned projects for FIA.
Annual operations are expected to steadily increase at FIA, reaching just over 156,000 by 2030.
As part of the TSAIA Master Plan Update, potential incentive programs are being considered, to
encourage international cargo carriers using TSAIA to shift operations to FIA.
5.4.2.3. General Aviation Airports
Projects will be occurring at four of the nine GA airports within the study area; Lake Hood,
Merrill Field, Palmer Airport, and Wasilla Airport. Rehabilitation and other various
improvements will be made at Merrill Field and Palmer, to include upgrades to Palmer’s cargo
apron and other cargo areas. Wasilla Airport is anticipating constructing a sea plane base, a new
airport access road, and installing security fencing along the perimeter of the airport. Lake Hood
will acquire additional acreage and address associated access control. No projects exist in any
current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding plans for Nenana Municipal, Summit,
Healy River, Willow, and Talkeetna Airports.
An extensive list of planned projects for Nenana, Palmer, Talkeetna, and Willow/Willow Sea
Plane Base Airports are presented in Table D.3 in Appendix D. Lake Hood, Merrill Field, and
Wasilla Airport are all currently updating their AMPs. Planned data is currently not shown in
Appendix D for these airports. One planned project for Healy River can be found in Appendix D.
It was identified as a planned project by ADOT&PF, but is not found in any current planning
documents.
Seven GA airports within the study area will likely experience an increase in operations over the
next two decades and are listed here, in order from greatest to least number of operations: Merrill
Field, Talkeetna Airport, Lake Hood, Willow Airport/Sea Plane Base, Palmer Airport, Wasilla
Airport, and Nenana Municipal Airport. Annual operations are forecasted to decrease slightly at
Healy River and Summit Airports.
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5.4.3. Railroad
Future operations values for Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, and Whittier were provided by
ARRC.
Funded and planned projects were identified in ARRC’s Program of Projects, Capital Budget,
and Economic Stimulus Package document. Interviews were also conducted with ARRC staff.
ARRC has several funded and planned projects aimed at improving safety and operations along
their mainline track.
Though ARRC began its move toward the use of advanced technology to mitigate the negative
impacts of human error through the development of its Collision Avoidance System, the
implementation of what is now nationally referred to as Positive Train Control (PTC) has been
mandated by the federal government, through the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. This
legislation provides a date by which PTC is to be implemented; December 31, 2015. However,
because this mandate is unfunded, ARRC’s approximately $100 million effort to implement PTC
is likely to be complete in 2018.
A track realignment design project near Railroad (RR) MP 415 has been funded through the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Construction of this project would realign approximately
three miles of track and relocate an access road and nearby spur, eliminating one at-grade rail
crossing.
Rehabilitation of approximately 100 miles of track between Anchorage and Seward will be
funded in phases each year based on availability of FTA formula funds and ARRC internal
funding. Additionally, ARRC has plans to install 8,000-foot sidings along the mainline at
twenty-mile intervals as train traffic increases in the future.
Two substantial track realignments have also been planned in Nenana and Wasilla.
ADOT&PF is currently working with ARRC to update the Alaska State Rail Plan. The plan is
scheduled to be complete mid-2014 and will provide direction for planning projects in the future.
Information on the projects discussed in this section can be found in Appendix E.
5.4.3.1. Anchorage
Upgrades to the Anchorage Yard, which has not been reconstructed since the 1950s, have been
designed and will be constructed when increased train traffic warrants such construction. Also
unfunded, ARRC would like to construct an integrated Intermodal Transportation Center in the
Ship Creek Basin.
It is anticipated that the Anchorage Yard will experience a total of 34 daily train
arrivals/departures in the summer months and 26 daily arrivals/departures in the winter months
by 2030.
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5.4.3.2. Fairbanks
Like the Anchorage Yard, the Fairbanks Yard was last reconstructed in the 1950s. Improvements
to this yard have also been designed and will be implemented when significant increases in rail
traffic materialize.
ARRC has estimated that operations at the Fairbanks Yard will remain fairly consistent with
current daily arrivals/departures; experiencing six daily trail arrivals/departures—up from four in
2013—in the summer months and two—down from three in 2013—in the winter months.
5.4.3.3. Port MacKenzie
The Port MacKenzie Rail Extension is expected to be complete by 2017. This 32-mile rail
extension will connect the new track loop at Port MacKenzie with the mainline track near
Houston, reducing the distance between the Interior and tidewater by approximately 26.5 miles.
Because this rail spur is not complete and train traffic at Port MacKenzie will be influenced by
fluctuating natural resource markets, no estimates are available at this time for daily operations at
Port MacKenzie.
5.4.3.4. Curry Quarry
No projects are scheduled to enhance the existing facilities at Curry Quarry and ARRC is
intending to continue using Curry Quarry exclusively for ARRC-related material needs.
There is no scheduled passenger service to Curry Quarry, nor is their freight service beyond the
extraction of material for use by ARRC. Therefore, no operations data has been provided for
Curry Quarry.
5.4.3.5. Gold Creek, Chulitna, and Cantwell
ARRC has no funded or planned upgrades at Gold Creek, Chulitna, or Cantwell. Additionally, no
operations data has been provided for these locations, as they are not scheduled stops; ARRC
will continue to provide whistlestop service.
5.4.3.6. Seward
ARRC has recently applied for a TIGER grant to fund Phase I of the Seward Dock Expansion
project. The scope of this project includes rehabilitating the support tracks and extending the
tracks and associated utilities to the expanded dock facility (see Appendix F). Should ARRC
receive this discretionary funding, the project would begin in April 2014 and would be complete
in September 2016, with the rehabilitation of the existing rail infrastructure likely occurring after
October 2014.
Summer and winter operations in Seward are projected to almost double by 2030, with seven and
two daily arrivals/departures, respectively.
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5.4.3.7. Whittier
Contingent upon availability of funds, ARRC is planning to rebuild the Marginal Wharf facility
that was demolished in 2008. Should the Whittier Wharf Replacement and Staging Areas project
be constructed, it would include the construction of a new 6,000-foot arrival/departure rail track.
At this time there is no funding and no tentative project schedule.
Whittier is expected to see an increase of two winter daily train arrivals/departures between 2013
and 2030; to total six daily. Summer daily arrivals/departures will increase more significantly;
from seven to twelve.
5.4.4. Port
Growth rates to determine annual vessel call projections were provided by POA and ARRC for
Whittier. Based on past vessel call trends, it was determined that a predictable growth rate did
not exist for ARRC’s Seward facility; no data is presented. Port MacKenzie provided annual
vessel call projections to the project team.
Information on funded port projects was collected from various documents such as the State of
Alaska Capital and Operating Budgets and the ARRC Program of Projects. Planned projects
were found in documents such as ARRC’s Seward Terminal Reserve Dock Facilities Master
Plan.
In addition to identifying relevant print resources, interviews were conducted with Port
MacKenzie, POA, ARRC, City of Seward, and City of Whittier staff.
5.4.4.1. Port MacKenzie
Several funded projects impacting operations at Port MacKenzie are currently being designed
and constructed, with several others planned for the future. The Port MacKenzie Rail Extension
project is being completed in eight segments; four segments are currently under construction.
Assuming continued State funding, this project will be complete in 2017. In addition to the rail
extension, Port MacKenzie is designing a large-scale cathodic protection project, of which
approximately half will be constructed in 2014. Also funded is the pavement of .2 miles of Point
MacKenzie Road within the Port District.
The Port MacKenzie Master Plan identifies several planned improvements, including a
connection between the rail loop and tidewater, a second deep draft dock with fill expansion,
natural gas facilities, and petroleum processing and storage.
The MSB estimates that Port MacKenzie may see a marked increase in annual vessel calls by
2030; from 14 in 2015 to 100 in 2030. These numbers are highly dependent on the completion of
the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension project, the construction of an additional deep draft dock,
and the development of natural resource extraction operations within the vicinity of the railbelt.
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5.4.4.2. Port of Anchorage
POA’s Port Intermodal Expansion Project (PIEP) will expand, restructure, and improve the port,
adding 1,700 lineal feet of dock space and upgrading 135 acres of land to accommodate upland
activities. Design and construction activities have been funded to date by the State of Alaska,
multiple federal agencies, and POA. Construction of the project commenced in 2008, but
complications related to the design and/or construction of Open Cell Sheet Pile (OCSP) stalled
the project and prompted a reevaluation of project alternatives.
Currently, the MOA is involved in litigation related to the project. A new preferred alternative
has not been definitively selected and a date for project completion is unknown.
The POA Wharf Pile Enhancements project, funded by the port, will provide upgrades to the
existing wharf pilings as necessary to control erosion.
Based on recent trends, POA anticipates approximately 615 annual vessel calls by 2030, a two
percent annual increase.
5.4.4.3. Port of Seward
At this time, there are no funded capital improvement projects at the Port of Seward. However,
ARRC applied for a TIGER discretionary grant in June 2013 to aid in funding the Seward East
Dock Expansion (Phase I of the Seward Dock Expansion), which would include widening the
existing freight dock by 120 feet and lengthening it by 400 feet, and constructing/relocating the
jetty. If funding is awarded, the East Dock Expansion will be completed by 2016 and will allow
Seward to accommodate Panamax vessels.
Phase II of the Seward Dock Expansion involves dredging the basin adjacent to the East Dock
and filling uplands to accommodate operations and support needs. Phase III of this expansion
would extend Port Avenue, develop additional uplands parcels, and improve intermodal
operating areas.
Based on available vessel call data for recent years, no reasonable growth rate has been
determined by ARRC for future annual vessel calls for the Port of Seward.
5.4.4.4. Port of Whittier
Similar to the Port of Seward, the Port of Whittier does not have any funded capital projects.
However, should funding become available, the Whittier Wharf Replacement and Staging Areas
project would be able to move from the design phase into construction within six to twelve
months. This project would replace the 1,000-foot Marginal Wharf that was demolished in 2008
and would construct new rail track, as identified in Section 5.3.3.7.
Whittier is expecting a one percent annual increase in annual vessel calls; totaling 109 by 2030.
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6. DISCUSSION
The primary goals and objectives of the Transportation Resources Study, as identified in RSP
Section 15.7.1.1, are to assess current transportation conditions in the study area, evaluate Project
demands on the transportation system within the study area, and compare these effects to a
Without Project scenario. Based on the work completed to date, the Transportation Resources
Study has completed over one third of its goals and objectives.
Existing conditions for road, rail, air transportation, and ports have been documented. Data
collection on river travel is only partially complete and will be updated with data from the River
Recreation Flow and Access (Study 12.7) and Subsistence Resources Study (Study 14.5). Once
data from these studies is reviewed and incorporated, additional interviews will be conducted to
fill river use data gaps and complete documentation of the existing river transportation
conditions.
Future forecast operations for most modes have been documented based on existing published
data and interviews with knowledgeable individuals. These forecasts do not specifically include
potential future traffic generation from Project construction and operation. Evaluation of Project-
generated traffic by mode and potential effects on existing and proposed transportation facilities
will be completed during the next study season. Gathered transportation data will be used in the
further development of other studies, such as the Social Conditions and Public Goods and
Services Study (Study 15.6) and Air Quality Study (Study 15.9) and will be incorporated to such
studies during the second study season.
Information from related studies is being reviewed and will be incorporated into the Updated
Study Report. Information from the Social Conditions and Public Good and Services Study
(Study 15.6) will assist in determination of other reasonably foreseeable projects that may impact
transportation resources both with and without the Project. Information from the Instream Flow
(Study 8.5) and the Ice Processes Study (Study 7.6) will be used to inform assessment of Project
effects on river transportation. Information from the design engineering studies will inform
Project traffic generation and allow for further evaluation of Project effects on transportation
system and identification of potential mitigation needed to address effects.
7. COMPLETING THE STUDY
[Section 7 appears in the Part C section of this ISR.]
8. LITERATURE CITED
Information on the extensive list of literature used in the development of this study, but that is
not cited within the document text, can be found in Appendix A.
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AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/study-plan.
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). 2008. Trip Generation, 8th edition: An ITE
Informational Report. ITE. Washington, D.C.
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9. FIGURES
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
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Figure 5.3-1. Weight and Lane Restricted Denali Highway Bridges
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 29 June 2014
Figure 5.3-2. Study Area RS 2477 and 17(b) Easements
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FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX A: BIBLIOGRAPHY
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 1 June 2014
ADNR (Alaska Department of Natural Resources) 2013. RS 2477 Rights-of-Way Fact Sheet.
Available online at http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/factsht/rs2477.pdf.
ADNR. 2010. Susitna-Matanuska Area Plan. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/planning/areaplans/sumat/pdf/smap_2011_complete.pdf.
ADNR and ADF&G (Alaska Department of Fish and Game). 1991. Susitna Basin Recreation
Rivers Management Plan. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at http://dnr.alaska.
gov/mlw/planning/mgtplans/susitna/pdf/Susitna_Basin_Recreational_Rivers_Manageme
nt_Plan.pdf.
ADOT&PF (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities). 2013 (in progress).
Alaska Statewide Rail Plan. Juneau, Alaska. Available online at http://dot.alaska.
gov/railplan/docs_links.shtml.
ADOT&PF. 2013. Central Region Annual Traffic Volume Report 2010-2012. Anchorage,
Alaska. Also available online at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/mapping/
trafficmaps/trafficdata_reports_cen/2012_ATVR.pdf.
ADOT&PF. 2013. Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles: Commercial Vehicle Size, Weight
& Permit Regulations. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
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ADOT&PF. 2013. Fairbanks International Airport, Airport Layout Plan. Fairbanks, Alaska. Also
available online at http://www.faa.gov/airports/alaskan/airports_resources/?section=alp.
ADOT&PF. 2013. Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Airport Layout Plan. Anchorage, Alaska. Also
available online at http://www.faa.gov/airports/alaskan/airports_resources/?section=alp.
ADOT&PF. 2013. Northern Region Annual Traffic Volume Report 2010-2012. Fairbanks,
Alaska. Also available online at http://www.dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/transdata/traffic/
nor_reports/NRVolumeReport_2010_2012.pdf.
ADOT&PF. 2013. Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Amendment 7. Juneau,
Alaska. Also available online at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/cip/
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ADOT&PF. 2012. Watana Transportation Access Analysis (Draft). Fairbanks, Alaska.
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INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 2 June 2014
ADOT&PF. 2010. Interior Alaska Transportation Plan. Fairbanks, Alaska. Also available online
at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/areaplans/area_regional/assets/iatp/full-iatp.pdf.
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Alaska. Also available online at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/interp/pdf/georgeparkshwy
scenicbyway.pdf.
ADOT&PF. 2008. Parks Highway Visioning Document. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available
online at http://parkshighway44-52.info/documents/ParksHwyVisioning.pdf.
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available online at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/anc/business/generalAviation/GAmaster
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ADOT&PF. No date. Weight Restriction Information Bulletin. Juneau, Alaska. Also available
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AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2013. Draft Recreation Resources Study. Anchorage, Alaska.
AEA. 2013. Review of Communities and Subsistence Use Areas in the Susitna River Watershed
(Draft). Anchorage, Alaska.
AEA. 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No.
14241. December 2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by the
Alaska Energy Authority. Anchorage, Alaska.
AEA. 2011. Pre-Application Document: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project
No. 14241. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at http://www.susitnawatana
hydro.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Susitna_
Watana_PADExecutiveSummary_TOC_Lists.pdf.
AEA. 2011. Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, Socioeconomic, Recreation, Air Quality and
Transportation Data Gap Analysis (Draft). Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/SusitnaWatana
Socioeconomicetc082511.pdf.
AEA. 2010. Railbelt Large Hydro Evaluation Preliminary Decision Document. Anchorage,
Alaska. Also available at ftp://ftp.aidea.org/RailbeltLargeHydro/112310FinalWLetter
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AEA. 2008. Railbelt Electrical Grid Authority Study. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online
at http://www.akenergyauthority.org/REGAFiles/9-12-08_AlaskaRailbeltREGAStudy_
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INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 3 June 2014
AMATS (Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions). 2013. 2011-2014
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Admin%20Mod%206.pdf.
AMATS. 2012. 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available
online at http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/AMATS/Pages/2035MTP.
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ARRC (Alaska Railroad Corporation). 2013. Alaska Railroad 2013 Program of Projects
Summary. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/
6/pdf/projects/2013_05_10_POP_ Summary_FS_PROJ.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. 2013 Alaska Railroad Corporation Report to the State. Anchorage, Alaska. Also
available online at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/corp/2012_12_01_Report_to_
State_CORP.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. Port MacKenzie Rail Extension Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available
online at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2013_08_06_PMRE_FactSheet
_PROJ.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. Positive Train Control Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2013_06_03_PTC_FS_PROJ.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. Realign Track & Move Crossing at MP 415.5 Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also
available online at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2013_08_01_MP415_
Realign_Crossing_PROJ.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. Seward East Dock Expansion & Security Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also
available online at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2013_06_04_Swd_
East_Doc_FS_PROJ.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. Seward East Dock Expansion TIGER Discretionary Grant Application.
Anchorage, Alaska.
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ty_FS_PROJ.pdf.
ARRC. 2013. Seward Terminal Reserve Dock Facilities Master Plan. Anchorage, Alaska. Also
available online at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2013_06_03_Swd_
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ARRC. 2013. South Wasilla Rail Line Relocation Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available
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_PROJ. pdf.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 4 June 2014
ARRC. 2013. Track Rehabilitation Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
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ARRC. 2011. Nenana Rail Line Relocation Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online
at http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2012_01_04_Nenana_Rail_Realign_
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ARRC. 2011. Whittier Infrastructure and Master Planning Fact Sheet. Anchorage, Alaska. Also
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ARRC. 2008. Curry Quarry Development. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 5 June 2014
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MOA. 1999. Port of Anchorage Master Plan. Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at
http://www.muni.org/Departments/port/Pages/MasterPlan.aspx.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 6 June 2014
MSB (Matanuska-Susitna Borough). 2013 (in progress). Mat-Su Long-Range Transportation
Plan. Wasilla, Alaska.
MSB. 2013. Port MacKenzie website. Accessed 11/25/13. http://www.portmackenzie.com.
MSB. 2012. Port MacKenzie Master Plan. Wasilla, Alaska. Also available online at
http://knikbridgefacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Port-Mackenzie-Master-Plan-
Update_FINAL.pdf.
MSB. 2009. Mat-Su Borough Long-Range Transportation Plan. Wasilla, Alaska. Also available
online at http://www.crweng.com/assets/images/uploads/projectsites/MSB_JUNE_07_
LRTP1_small.pdf.
MSB. 2009. Mat-Su Regional Aviation System Plan. Wasilla, Alaska.
MSB. 2005. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Comprehensive Development Plan. Wasilla, Alaska.
Also available online at http://www.matsugov.us/docman/doc_view/2076.
MSB. 1999. Talkeetna Comprehensive Plan. Wasilla, Alaska. Also available online at
http://alaskarailroad.com/Portals/6/pdf/projects/2010_04_15_1999_Mat_Su_Talkeetna_C
omp_Plan_PROJ.pdf.
OMB (Alaska Office of Management & Budget). OMB website. Accessed 12/4/13.
http://omb.alaska.gov/.
City of Palmer. 2011. Palmer Municipal Airport, Airport Layout Plan. Palmer, Alaska. Also
available online at http://www.faa.gov/airports/alaskan/airports_resources/?section=alp.
City of Palmer. 2009. Palmer Municipal Airport Master Plan Update. Palmer, Alaska. Also
available online at http://www.cityofpalmer.org/vertical/sites/%7BCEEE28AE-9003-
4337-8BE2-A1961FF16E3D%7D/uploads/%7BE2415175-9DBD-414C-94B7-
52C7B76F66CA%7D.PDF.
City of Seward. 2012. Alaskan-izing the Fleet. Seward, Alaska. Also available online at
http://www.cityofseward.us/DocumentCenter/View/1550.
TSAIA (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport). 2013 (in progress). Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport Master Plan. Available online at http://www.ancmaster
plan.com/.
TSAIA. 2009. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport 2008 Master Plan Study Report
(Draft). Anchorage, Alaska. Also available online at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/anc/
business/planning/ANCmaster08.pdf.
VanDongen, Marc. 2013. Personal Interview, Port MacKenzie. 11/19/13.
VanDongen, Marc. 2013. Personal Interview, Port MacKenzie. 08/08/13.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix A – Page 7 June 2014
City of Wasilla. 2010. Wasilla Airport Master Plan Update 2010. Wasilla, Alaska.
City of Wasilla. 2009. Wasilla Municipal Airport, Airport Layout Plan. Wasilla, Alaska. Also
available online at http://www.faa.gov/airports/alaskan/airports_resources/?section=alp.
Wilson, Richard. 2013. Personal Interview, Port of Anchorage. 11/12/13.
Wilson, Richard. 2013. Telephone Interview, Port of Anchorage. 08/23/13.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
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FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX B: ASSET INVENTORY
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 1 June 2014
ASSET INVENTORY
An Asset Inventory was completed to include the following modes of transportation within the
study area: roadway, aviation, railroad, and port. The tables below summarize information such
as ownership/maintenance, capacity, annual operations, and maintenance costs. More
explanation on each of the column headings is included after each table. Because of the
qualitative nature of the data collected for river travel, a table is not provided. However, the
findings are summarized in text.
Roadway
Table B.1. Roadway Inventory
Ownership Length (mi) AADT Functional Classification Level of Service1 Maintenance Costs Fatal Crashes
A Street—1343422
ADOT&PF 2.630 7,700 Urban Other Principal Arterial 4 $17,264 0
Big Lake Road—170073
ADOT&PF 9.073 3,500 0.000-4.081 Rural Minor Arterial
4.081-5.376 Rural Major Collector
5.376-9.073 Rural Minor Collector
B $198,536 0
Burma Road—170083
MSB 8.520 160 Rural Local Road B $41,748 0
C Street—134341
ADOT&PF 7.737 12,000 0.000-7.737 Urban Other Principal
Arterial
C 5 0
MOA .55 7.737-8.287 Urban Minor Arterial 5 0
Denali Highway—140000
ADOT&PF 134.558 80 Rural Major Collector B $286,000 0
Glenn Highway—135000
ADOT&PF 180.115 58,000 0.000-21.758 Urban Interstate
21.758-180.115 Rural Interstate
C $2,416,960 3
Knik Goose Bay Road—170044
ADOT&PF
19.886 11,000
0.000-5.730 Urban Other Principal
Arterial
5.730-10.175 Rural Other
Principal Arterial
10.175-17.266 Rural Major
Collector
17.266-19.886 Rural Local Road
D $466,128 1
Parks Highway—170000
ADOT&PF 323.688 12,000 0.000-11.282 Urban Interstate
11.282-314.182 Rural Interstate
314.182-323.688 Urban Interstate
B $8,122,832 11
Point MacKenzie Road—170080
MSB 21.211 360 Rural Major Collector B $104,804 0
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 2 June 2014
Ownership Length (mi) AADT Functional Classification Level of Service1 Maintenance Costs Fatal Crashes
Vine Road—160101
ADOT&PF 0.526 3,500 Rural Minor Arterial B $17,264 0
MSB 2.867 $14,166 0
3rd Avenue—134410
MOA 2.340 8,500 0.000-1.740 Urban Minor Arterial
1.740-2.340 Urban Minor Collector
C $60,424 0
4th Avenue—134450
MOA 1.493 5,800 0.000-0.023 Urban Local Road
0.023-0.693 Urban Minor Collector
0.693-1.493 Urban Minor Arterial
C $34,528 0
5th Avenue—134440
ADOT&PF 2.5783 25,000 0.000-1.486 Urban Interstate
1.486-2.032 Urban Other Principal
Arterial
2.032-2.578 Urban Minor Arterial
C $112,216 0
MOA 0.135 2.578-2.713 Urban Local Road 0
6th Avenue—134600
ADOT&PF 1.5223 13,000 0.000-0.033 Urban Local Road
0.033-0.718 Urban Minor Arterial
0.718-1.129 Urban Other Principal
Arterial
1.129-1.522 Urban Interstate
C $34,528 0
MOA .033 1.522-1.555 Urban Interstate 0
Notes:
1 LOS can vary greatly between segments for some roadways. The LOS presented is the predominant LOS for the
roadway within the study area.
2 This Coordinated Data System (CDS) number is the unique identifying number assigned to each roadway route
by ADOT&PF. It is used for several things, including linking databases and the Highway Analysis System
(HAS).
3 Maintained by MOA.
4 Level of service cannot be determined through standard methods identified in the Highway Capacity Manual
2000, based on AADT data.
5 Awaiting data.
Ownership—This column identifies the agency or municipal entity with ownership of the
facility.
Length—This column identifies the length of the roadway in miles. For roadways owned by
multiple entities, the length of the roadway segment within a given jurisdiction is shown.
AADT—The AADT is the Annual Average Daily Traffic. This is the estimated number of
vehicles traveling over a given road segment during a 24-hour day.
Functional Classification—This is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into
classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended to provide. The three
functional systems used to classify Alaska’s roadways are identified in Table A.2.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 3 June 2014
Level of Service—This is a measure of system performance based on vehicle throughput and
delay. Level of Service criteria varies based on the characteristics of the facility (i.e. freeways
versus signalized intersections). Descriptions of the Level of Service categories are identified in
Table A.3.
Maintenance Costs—This column reflects costs associated with maintenance and operations
activities, such as plowing snow, brush cutting, patching, striping, and sealing.
Fatal Crashes—This column identifies the number of fatal crashes that occurred on the roadway
segment within the study area between 2011 and 2012.
Table B.2. Functional Classification Descriptions
Functional System Services Provided
Arterial Provides the highest level of service at the greatest speed for the longest uninterrupted distance, with
some degree of access control.
Collector Provides a less highly developed level of service at a lower speed for shorter distances by collecting
traffic from local roads and connecting them with arterials.
Local Consists of all roads not defined as arterials or collectors; primarily provides access to land with little
or no through movement.
Functional System—The functional system is the broad-level grouping for roadway
classification. Within each functional system are sets of modifiers used to specifically identify a
roadway’s use. The modifiers relating to the study area are major/minor, urban/rural, and other
principal. FHWA provides guidance on the functional classification of interstate highways
independently of other roadway systems. In the study area, the interstate highways are classified
as either urban or rural interstates.
Services Provided—This describes the type of service that is to expected based on a roadway’s
functional system.
Table B.3. Level of Service Descriptions
Level of Service (LOS) Traffic Flow
LOS A Free Flow—Low volumes are experienced and speeds are controlled by the speed limit.
LOS B Reasonably Free Flow—Speeds are beginning to be restricted by traffic conditions.
LOS C Stable Flow—Most drivers are restricted in freedom to select their own speed.
LOS D Approaching Unstable Flow—Drivers have little freedom to maneuver.
LOS E Unstable Flow—Drivers may experience short stoppages.
LOS F Breakdown Flow—Stoppages and slow speeds occur.
Level of Service (LOS)—This is a measure of system performance based on vehicle throughput
and delay. Level of Service criteria varies based on the characteristics of the facility (i.e.
freeways versus signalized intersections).
Traffic Flow—This is a description of how traffic characteristically moves on a roadway based
on LOS.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 4 June 2014
Table B.4. Crash History
Years Major Injuries Minor Injuries Total Injuries Fatalities
A Street—134342
2006 through 2010 10 157 167 1
2000 through 2005 18 250 268 2
Big Lake Road—170073
2006 through 2010 8 52 60 3
2000 through 2005 14 76 90 2
Burma Road—170083
2006 through 2010 0 0 0 0
2000 through 2005 0 3 3 0
C Street—134341
2006 through 2010 17 276 293 1
2000 through 2005 27 437 464 2
Denali Highway—140000
2006 through 2010 1 1 2 0
2000 through 2005 0 1 1 0
Glenn Highway—135000
2006 through 2010 108 872 980 13
2000 through 2005 182 1339 1521 32
Knik-Goose Bay Road—170044
2006 through 2010 16 224 240 2
2000 through 2005 46 211 257 10
Parks Highway—170000
2006 through 2010 162 940 1102 41
2000 through 2005 235 1514 1749 56
Point MacKenzie Road—170080
2006 through 2010 1 2 3 0
2000 through 2005 2 5 7 2
Vine Road—160101
2006 through 2010 2 21 23 1
2000 through 2005 7 32 39 0
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 5 June 2014
Years Major Injuries Minor Injuries Total Injuries Fatalities
3rd Avenue—134410
2006 through 2010 2 99 101 1
2000 through 2005 8 143 151 0
4th Avenue—134450
2006 through 2010 3 63 66 1
2000 through 2005 5 58 63 1
5th Avenue—134440
2006 through 2010 11 230 241 1
2000 through 2005 28 398 426 3
6th Avenue—134600
2006 through 2010 9 60 69 1
2000 through 2005 10 119 129 0
Years—The most recent decade of available data has been divided into two groups; 2000
through 2005 and 2006 through 2010.
Major Injuries—These are injures that…
Minor Injuries—These are injuries that…
Total Injuries—This column is the sum of the Major and Minor Injuries columns.
Aviation
Table B.5. International Airport Inventory
Air Miles from Project Site
Owner
Average
Daily Operations
Annual O&M
Costs
Runway Name
Runway Type
Runway
Dimensions Runway Lighting Air Traffic Control Aircraft Maintenanc Fueling2 Reported Accidents Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport—ANC1 X X A X
124 ADOT&PF 742 $57,000,000 7R/25L Asphalt 12,400’ x 200’ X
7L/25R Asphalt 10,600’ x 150’ X
15/33 Asphalt 11,584’ x 150’ X
Fairbanks International Airport—FAI X X A X
140 ADOT&PF 332 $14,420,000 2L/20R Asphalt 11,800’ x 150’ X
2C/20C Asphalt 6,501’ x 100’ X
2S/20S Gravel 2,900’ x 75’
2W/20W Water 5,400’ x 100’
Notes:
1 This is the Location Identification Code assigned by the International Air Transport Association.
2 A = Jet A and 100LL available, B = 100LL available, C = No fuel available.
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Air Miles from Project Site—The column indicates the number of air miles from the airport to
the Project site.
Ownership—This column identifies the agency or municipal entity with ownership of the
facility.
Average Daily Operations—This is the estimated maximum number of aircraft takeoffs and
landings in one year, divided by 365.
Annual O&M Costs—This column reflects costs associated with maintenance and operations
activities, such as plowing snow, deicing, patching, painting, and sealing.
(Runway Name) Runway Type—The numbers in runway names are based on compass
headings, while the letters are based on location in relation to other runways. (This lettering
applies at airports with multiple runways.) Runway type refers to the material that the runway is
made of.
Runway Dimensions—This is the length of the runway by the width of the runway in feet.
Runway Lighting—This indicates whether or not an individual runway is equipped with
lighting.
Air Traffic Control—This column indicates whether or not there are ground-based controllers
available to direct aircraft operations.
Aircraft Maintenance—This indicates the availability of facilities and personnel to perform
aircraft maintenance.
Fueling—This indicates which airports offer which types of aircraft fuel.
Reported Accidents—This column identifies airports with accidents reported to the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). These reported accidents are summarized in Table A.6.
Table B.6. General Aviation Inventory
Air Miles from Project
Site
Owner Average Daily
Operations
Annual O&M Costs Runway Name Runway Type Runway Dimensions Runway Lighting Air Traffic Control Aircraft Maintenance Fueling2 Reported Accidents Lake Hood Seaplane Base & Lake Hood Strip Airport—LHD1 X X A X
122 ADOT&PF 274 3 E/W Water 4,540’ x 188’ X
N/S Water 1,930’ x 200’
NW/SE Water 1,370’ x 150’
14/32 Gravel 2,200’ x 75’ X
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 7 June 2014
Air Miles from Project
Site
Owner Average Daily
Operations
Annual O&M Costs Runway Name Runway Type Runway Dimensions Runway Lighting Air Traffic Control Aircraft Maintenance Fueling2 Reported Accidents Merrill Field—MRI X X A X
119 MOA 321 $1,500,000 7/25 Asphalt 4,000’ x 100’
16/34 Asphalt 2,640’ x 75’ X
5/23 Gravel 2,000’ x 60’
Wasilla Airport—IYS X A X
92 City of
Wasilla
136 $140,000 3/21 Asphalt 3,700’ x 75’ X
3S/21S Gravel 1,690’ x 60’
Palmer Municipal Airport—PAQ X A X
87 City of
Palmer
364 $200,000 16/34 Asphalt 6,009 x 100’ X
9/27 Asphalt5 3,617’ x 75’ X
16G/34G
Gravel
1,560’ x 60’
Willow Airport and Willow Seaplane Base—UUO/2X2 X B X
88 ADOT&PF 43 $54,000 13/31 Gravel 4,400’ x 75’ X
3 Water 3,600’ x 400’
Talkeetna Airport—TKA A6 X
60 ADOT&PF 82 $78,000 18/36 Asphalt 3,500’ x 75’ X
H1 Gravel
Helipad
480’ x 85’
Nenana Municipal Airport—ENN A X
120 City of
Nenana
16 $100,000 4L/22R Asphalt 4,600’ x 100’ X
4R/22L Turf 2,520’ x 60’ X
4W/22W Water 3,601 x 100’
Healy River Airport—HRR C X
74 ADOT&PF 4 $23,000 7/25 Asphalt 2,912’ x 60’ X
Summit Airport—UMM C
40 ADOT&PF Unavailable $24,000 13/31 Gravel 3,840’ x 80’
Notes:
1 This is the Location Identification Code assigned by the International Air Transport Association.
2 A = Jet A and 100LL available, B = 100LL available, C = No fuel available.
3 Annual O&M costs for LHD are included in the annual O&M costs for ANC.
4 Last available published data is from 2006.
5 Runway closed to aircraft over 12,500 pounds.
6 Jet A is available off-site by request.
Air Miles from Project Site—The column indicates the number of air miles from the airport to
the Project site.
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 8 June 2014
Ownership—This column identifies the agency or municipal entity with ownership of the
facility.
Average Daily Operations—This is the estimated maximum number of aircraft takeoffs and
landings in one year, divided by 365.
Annual O&M Costs—This column reflects costs associated with maintenance and operations
activities, such as plowing snow, deicing, patching, painting, and sealing.
(Runway Name) Runway Type—The numbers in runway names are based on compass
headings, while the letters are based on location in relation to other runways. (This lettering
applies at airports with multiple runways.) Runway type refers to the material that the runway is
made of.
Runway Dimensions—This is the length of the runway by the width of the runway in feet.
Runway Lighting—This indicates whether or not an individual runway is equipped with
lighting.
Air Traffic Control—This column indicates whether or not there are ground-based controllers
available to direct aircraft operations.
Aircraft Maintenance—This indicates the availability of facilities and personnel to perform
aircraft maintenance.
Fueling—This indicates which airports offer which types of aircraft fuel.
Reported Accidents—This column identifies airports with accidents reported to the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). These reported accidents are summarized in Table A.6.
Table B.7 Accidents in the NTSB Database
Airport Date Type of Aircraft
Type of
Accident Notes
ANC 4/4/2008 SA 227-AC No Injuries Hard landing caused damage to wings and fuselage.
7/29/2008 SAAB 340B No Injuries Engine failure on takeoff due to failure of the stage 1 gas
generator rotor blades due to high-cycle fatigue.
3/4/2010 747-400 No Injuries Aircraft experienced a tail strike during takeoff.
ENN 5/16/2009 Maule M-4-220C No Injuries Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing,
resulting in a ground loop.
5/16/2009 Cessna 170B No Injuries Pilot’s failure to maintain control while taxiing for takeoff and
failure to provide adequate airspeed after takeoff, resulting in a
stall.
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Airport Date Type of Aircraft Type of Accident Notes
FAI 4/28/2010 Piper PA-22-150 No Injuries Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
7/29/2010 Bellanca 8GCBC No Injuries Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after encountering a
crosswind during landing and collided with an aircraft.
1/25/2012 PZL-Swidnik SW-4 No Injuries A test flight crew conducting a hydraulics system shutdown
simulation failed to maintain control of the helicopter and struck
the runway.
HRR 3/13/2009 Helio H-295 No Injuries Pilot’s delay in initiating a climb while he was packing snow with
the airplane’s skis in preparation for landing, resulting in
collision with a bush.
IYS 5/27/2011 Cessna 170A No Injuries Pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a
runway excursion.
LHD 7/17/2009 Cessna 172L No Injuries Pilot taxied onto roadway and struck a sign with wing while sun
was in his eyes.
8/8/2009 Taylorcraft BC12-D Injury Pilot was hit by prop after starting it.
8/25/2009 Cessna 170B Injury Pilot failed to properly latch engine access cowling and stalled
upon return to the airport.
3/17/2010 Cessna 170B No Injuries Right main landing gear broke causing wing to impact ground
during taxi.
9/24/2010 Cessna 180C No Injuries Gust of wind caused loss of control and impact with water.
2/20/2012 Cessna 182A No Injuries Pilot inadvertently landed on Lake Hood and deep snow caused
the plane to nose over.
MRI 4/23/2008 Aeronca 15AC No Injuries Pilot's excessive braking combined with excessive taxi speed
caused the airplane to nose over.
5/7/2008 Piper PA-18 No Injuries Pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind caused an
inadvertent ground loop.
7/30/2008 Cessna 172RF No Injuries Pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing caused the
aircraft to veer and strike a parked aircraft.
10/1/2008 Cessna U206C Fatal Loss of engine power during takeoff and the pilot’s decision to
make an abrupt steep turn resulted in a stall and loss of control.
7/28/2009 Piper PA-14 No Injuries Incorrect installation of a seat's forward track stop caused the
pilot to lose directional control during takeoff.
PAQ 11/9/2007 Cessna 150 Injury Flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student and his
delayed go around during night conditions resulted in damage
to wings, fuselage and empennage.
TKA 5/14/2009 Piper PA-22-150 No Injuries Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing
resulted in a ground loop and damage to the aircraft.
8/12/2009 Cessna 150H No Injuries Pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing
resulted in a ground loop and damage to the aircraft.
UUO 4/6/2007 Cessna 150 No Injuries Student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing
resulted in contact with a snow berm and nosing down.
12/31/2009 Piper PA-18 Injury Pilot’s failure to ensure the airplane’s fuel selector valve was on
before takeoff and the decision to attempt a low altitude turn to
return to the runway resulted in a stall and loss of control.
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Airport Date Type of Aircraft Type of Accident Notes
2X2 9/2/2012 Taylorcraft Aviation
Corp F21
Injury Aircraft impacted the water during takeoff causing serious
injuries.
Airport—This column indicates the airport at which the associated accident(s) occurred using
the 3-digit IATA LID Code.
Date—This column indicates the date that the accident occurred.
Type of Aircraft—This is the make and model of the aircraft involved in the accident.
Type of Accident—Types of accidents are categorized as being no injury, injury, or fatal
accidents.
Notes—These are accident notes reported to the NTSB.
Table B.8. Design Aircraft by Airport
Airport Design Group Example Aircraft
ANC D-V Boeing 747
ENN B-III Dash 8
FAI D-V Boeing 747
HRR A-I Beechcraft C 99
IYS B-II Beechcraft 1900
LHD A-I Beechcraft C 99
MRI B-II Beechcraft 1900
PAQ B-III Dash 8
TKA B-II Beechcraft 1900
UUO B-II Beechcraft 1900
Airport—This column identifies the airport by the 3-digit IATA LID Code.
Design Group—This column is a combination of the Aircraft Approach Category (AAC),
represented by the letter, and the Airplane Design Group (ADG), represented by the Roman
numeral. These two designations dictate the speed at which an aircraft may approach and the
dimensions of the aircraft that may land at a given facility.
Example Aircraft—This column provides an example of an aircraft that is compatible with the
associated airport.
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Railroad
Table B.9. Current Average Arrivals/Departures per Day
Year Summer Winter
Freight Passenger Total Freight Passenger Total
Anchorage1
2013 5 3 8 4 1 5
2012 6 3 9 5 1 6
2011 6 3 9 5 1 6
2010 6 3 9 5 1 6
2009 6 2 8 4 1 5
2008 7 2 9 5 1 6
2007 8 2 10 5 1 6
Fairbanks
2013 3 1 4 3 02 3
2012 3 1 4 3 3 3
2011 3 1 4 3 0 3
2010 3 1 4 3 0 3
2009 3 1 4 3 0 3
2008 3 1 4 3 0 3
2007 3 1 4 3 0 3
Seward
2013 1 3 4 1 0 1
2012 1 2 3 1 0 1
2011 1 2 3 1 0 1
2010 1 2 3 1 0 1
2009 1 2 3 1 0 1
2008 1 2 3 1 0 1
2007 1 1 2 1 0 1
Whittier
2013 4 3 7 4 0 4
2012 4 3 7 4 0 4
2011 4 3 7 4 0 4
2010 4 3 7 4 0 4
2009 4 2 6 4 0 4
2008 3 2 5 3 0 3
2007 3 2 5 3 0 3
Totals 98 57 155 87 7 94
Notes:
1 Daily arrivals/departures are not included for Cantwell, Chulitna, Curry Quarry, Gold Creek, and Port
MacKenzie are not currently scheduled stops and do not have arrival/departure operations associated with them.
2 The Fairbanks winter passenger train operates two days each month.
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Year—This indicates the calendar year.
Summer—ARRC’s summer schedule is in effect from May 15 – September 15 each year.
Winter—ARRC’s winter schedule is in effect from September 15 – May 15 each year.
Passenger—This column describes the number of daily arrivals/departures for ARRC’s
passenger trains.
Freight—This column describes the number of daily arrivals/departures for ARRC’s freight
trains.
Total—This column shows the sum of daily arrivals/departures for passenger and freight trains.
Port
Table B.10. Port Inventory
Ownership Annual Vessel Calls Acreage Docks/Facilities Draft Depth (ft)
Primary Commodities Maintenance Costs Ice Free
Port of Anchorage
MOA 450 220 Cargo dock (3)
Dry berth
Petroleum terminal (2)
Small craft floating dock
Pipeline (3)
Rail spur (2)
35 Petroleum,
Shoreside
Petroleum,
Dockside
Containerized
Goods
Cement, Bulk Dry
$12,541,000 No
Port MacKenzie
MSB 6 8,940 Barge Dock
Freight Dock
Ferry dock
60 Wood Chips
Saw Logs
Cement
Sand/Gravel
Coal
Scrap Metal
$750,000 No
Port of Seward
ARRC 224 328 Coal loading facility and
dock
Freight dock
Cruise ship dock and
terminal
Rail
24 Coal
Containers
1 Yes
Port of Whittier
ARRC 90 291 Barge Dock
Freight Dock
Cruise ship dock and
terminal
Rail
AMHS dock and
terminal
60 Containerized
Goods
Machinery
Lumber
Pipes
Chemical used for
North Slope
operations
1 Yes
Note:
1 Data not provided.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 13 June 2014
Ownership—This column identifies the agency or municipal entity with ownership of the
facility.
Annual Vessel Calls—This is the number of ships that have docked at the port’s facilities in a
given year. The data presented is from 2012.
Acreage—This is the number of upland acres encompassed by the port facility.
Docks/Facilities—This column indicates the types and numbers of each dock, as well as other
pertinent infrastructure.
Draft Depth—This is the depth at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). Draft depth dictates the
size of the vessel and/or size of the load that may be docked at a given port.
Primary Commodities—This column identifies the most commonly imported/exported goods at
each port.
Maintenance Costs—This column reflects costs associated with maintenance and operations
activities, such as repairs to asphalt, cranes, and pilings.
Easements
Table B.11. Existing RS 2477 Easements
Number1 Trail Name Length
(mi) Primary Access
RST 52 Chulitna Trail 3.0 Honolulu Station, AKRR, MP 287
RST 80 Murder Lake North to Ridgeline Trail 2.0 Murder Lake
RST 100 Indian River-Portage Creek Trail 8.0 Chulitna Station, AKRR MP 274
RST 294 Gulkana-Denali Winter Trail 119.22 Denali Highway, MP 94
RST 318 Paxson-Denali Trail (Valdez Creek) 40.0 Denali Highway, MP 94
RST 331 Talkeetna-Iron Creek Trail 40.68 Town of Talkeetna
RST 377 Stephan-Daneka Lake Trail 2.0 Stephan Lake
RST 469 McWilliams-Gold Creek Trail 36.0 Gold Creek, AKRR MP 263
RST 517 Windy Creek Access Road 16.0 Denali Highway, MP 78
RST 625 Cantwell Small Tracts Road (Lover’s Lane) 1.25 Junction of Parks Highway and Denali Highway
RST 1509 Curry Landing Strip-Lookout Tower 2.81 AKRR, MP 248.3, Curry Station
RST 1620 Talkeetna River Trail 102.42 Intersection with RST 311
RST 1691 Herning Trail-Question Creek 50.0 Little Susitna River North of Palmer
RST 1694 Iron Creek-North Fork Kashwitna River Trail 25.0 Intersection with Talkeetna-Iron Creek RST 311
Note:
1 Table obtained from Recreation Resources Study (Study 12.5).
Number—This is the identifying number of the route.
Trail Name—This is the accepted titling nomenclature.
Length—This is the length of the RS 2477 easement.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 14 June 2014
Primary Access—This is the point most commonly used to access the easement.
Table B.12. Existing 17(b) Easements
Number1 Width
(ft)
Length
(mi) Region Quadrant(s) Allowable
Uses
Managing
Agency
Primary
Access
3a 25 6.27 Ahtna Healy B-5 Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
BLM, General
public
Parks Highway,
MP 195
3c 25 3.75 Ahtna Healy B-4 Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
BLM, General
public
Denali Highway,
MP 131
5h U 4.63 Ahtna Healy B-4 Multi-use AK Div. of Lands,
General public
Parks Highway,
MP 206
6b 50 1.11 Ahtna Healy B-5 Multi-use; trucks/
cars prohibited
BLM, General
public
Parks Highway,
MP 196
7a 25 2.68 Ahtna Healy B-4 Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
BLM, AK Div. of
Lands, General
public
Cantwell
18 50 14.82 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains D-5,
D-6
Multi-use; trucks/
cars prohibited
AK Div. of Lands,
ADF&G, General
public
Alaska Railroad,
Chulitna
26 50 2.81 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains C-4
Multi-use; trucks/
cars prohibited
ADF&G, General
public
Stephan Lake
28 25 1.73 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains C-4
Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
ADF&G Stephan Lake
46 25 2.84 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains C-4,
D-4
Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
BLM, AK Div. of
Lands
Stephan Lake
48 50 18.71 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains D-5,
D-6
Multi-use; trucks/
cars prohibited
General public Alaska Railroad,
Gold Creek
87 25 8.27 Ahtna Healy B-4 Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
AK Div. of Lands Parks Highway,
MP 195
100 60 0.11 Ahtna Healy A-5 Mutli-use; trucks/
cars allowed
BLM-State Parks Highway,
MP 192
Note:
1 Table obtained from Recreation Resources Study (Study 12.5).
Number—This is the identifying number of the route.
Width—This is the width of the easement. The length directly affects the types of allowable uses
in a given easement.
Length—This is the width of the easement.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix B – Page 15 June 2014
Region—This column identifies the ANCSA Regional Corporation associated with the
geographic location of the easement.
Quadrant(s)—These are the names of the USGS quadrangle maps that identify the location of
these 17(b) easements.
Allowable Uses—This column identifies the established, allowable uses of the easements, which
is guided by the easement’s width.
Managing Agency—This is the agency or agencies that provide administrative oversight and
management of the easement.
Status—This column identifies whether or not the 17(b) easement has been recorded and is
recognized as a legal easement.
Primary Access—This is the point most commonly used to access the easement.
Table B.13. Proposed 17(b) Easements
Number1 Width
(ft)
Length
(mi) Region Quadrant(s) Allowable
Uses
Managing
Agency
Primary
Access
22 25 1.88 Ahtna Healy B-4 Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
AK Div. of Lands Denali Highway,
MP 127
22e 25 0.99 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains D-3
Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
ADF&G Fog Lakes
23 25 1.91 Ahtna Healy B-4 Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
AK Div. of Lands Denali Highway,
MP 122.4
38 25 12.01 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains C-4,
C-5
Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
AK Div. of Lands,
ADF&G
Talkeetna River,
North and south of
Prairie Creek
40 25 3.76 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains C-5
Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
AK Div. of Lands Talkeetna River at
Cache Creek
72 25 1.00 CIRI Talkeetna
Mountains D-4
Multi-use; vehicles
must be less than
3,000 lbs.
BLM, ADF&G Susitna River,
northeast of
Stephan Lake
Note:
1 Table obtained from Recreation Resources Study (Study 12.5).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX C: HIGHWAY DATA FOR FUTURE TRAFFIC,
FUNDED PROJECTS, AND PLANNED PROJECTS
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix C – Page 1 June 2014
Tables presenting future traffic growth projections, currently funded highway projects, and
planned highway projects are included in this appendix. More explanation on each of the column
headings is included after each table.
Table C.1. Future Traffic Growth Projections
Facility1 CDS
Number 2015 AADT 2020 AADT 2025 AADT 2030 AADT
A Street 134342 9,896 10,667 11,498 12,394
Big Lake Road 170073 4,572 4,928 5,312 5,726
Burma Road 170083 146 157 169 182
C Street 134341 17,176 18,514 19,956 21,510
Denali Highway1 140000 109 96 85 75
Glenn Highway 135000 44,210 47,653 51,364 55,364
Knik-Goose Bay Road 170044 12,366 13,329 14,367 15,486
Parks Highway—Glenn
Highway to Talkeetna
Spur Road
170000 3 3 3 3
Parks Highway—
Talkeetna Spur Road to
FMATS boundary
170000 2,007 2,163 2,331 2,513
Parks Highway—
FMATS2
170000 14,610 19,376 25,638 33,922
Point MacKenzie Road 170080 465 501 540 582
Vine Road 160101 4,837 5,214 5,620 6,058
3rd Avenue 134410 7,697 8,296 8,942 9,638
4th Avenue 134450 5,228 5,635 6,074 6,547
5th Avenue 134440 26,812 28,900 31,151 33,577
6th Avenue 134600 17,136 18,471 19,910 21,461
Notes:
1 Unless otherwise noted, projected AADTs for these facilities were determined using a growth rate based on
historic traffic count data.
2 This data was interpolated/extrapolated from the current FMATS TransCAD model.
3 Awaiting data.
Facility—The facility is the identified roadway.
CDS Number—The Coordinated Data System (CDS) number is the unique identifying number
assigned to each roadway route by ADOT&PF. It is used for several things, including linking
databases and the Highway Analysis System (HAS).
2015 to 2030 AADT—These columns indicate the estimated annual average daily traffic for
each respective facility in 2015, 2020, 2025, and 2030.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix C – Page 2 June 2014
Table C.2. Funded Highway Projects
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
Denali Highway Seattle Creek Bridge Replacement
FY15 2016 GO Bond $5,000,000 Replace the Seattle Creek Bridge at MP 110 of the Denali
Highway.
Glenn Highway Continuous Lighting MP 27-31
FFY14 2014 STIP $8,285,000 Install luminaires along both sides of the Glenn Highway. Fog
lighting installed on the Knik River Bridge and two Matanuska
River bridges. Hightowers placed at the Old Glenn Highway
Interchange.
Glenn Highway: Hiland to Artillery Capacity Improvements
FY13 2014 GO Bond
(SB 268)
$35,000,000 Upgrade the Glenn Highway between Hiland Road and
Artillery Road to increase capacity. This may include
additional lanes, widened bridges, and reserved space for
future HOV lanes.
Glenn Highway/Muldoon Road Interchange Reconstruction
FY13 2015 GO Bond
(SB 268)
$15,000,000 Replace existing bridge and upgrade interchange.
Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction: Centaur Avenue to Vine Road
TBD 2018 STIP $100,000,000 Project consists of widening the Knik-Goose Bay Road to a
divided 4 lane facility from Centaur Avenue (near the Parks
Highway) to Vine Road, a distance of 6.44 miles. Scope
includes separated bike/ped facilities, appropriate safety
engineering strategies such as rumble strips and
reducing/combining access points that are determined to be
most effective at reducing crashes along the road. Project can
be constructed in multiple phases to fit funding.
Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction: Vine Road to Settlers Bay
FY13 2016 GO Bond
(SB 268)
$24,400,000 Reconstruct 1.8 miles of Knik-Goose Bay Road, to include a
four-lane divided facility, turn pockets, access control, traffic
signals, lighting, pedestrian improvements, and other
engineering solutions to increase safety and level of service.
Knik-Goose Bay Road Safety Corridor Improvements
FY13 TBD GF (SB 160) $10,000,000 Funding may be used on several possible projects, including
Fairview Loop Realignment & Signalization at Knik-Goose
Bay Road, Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction—Centaur
Avenue to Vine Road, and Knik-Goose Bay Road/Fern Street
Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements. Construction
year will depend on which project funds are expended on.
Parks Highway MP 43.5 to 44.5 Reconstruction
FFY14 2014 STIP $14,500,000 Improve capacity of Parks Highway by extending westward
the existing five lanes from Lucus Road to Church Road,
installing illumination, and improving the existing pedestrian
pathway.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix C – Page 3 June 2014
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
Parks Highway MP 44.5 to 48.8 Reconstruction
FFY14-15 2014 STIP $68,320,000 Upgrade the existing two-lane road to a four-lane divided
highway with at-grade intersections spaced every half mile.
Existing frontage roads will be improved and the existing
pedestrian pathway reconstructed and/or relocated along the
length of the project. Project will provide full length
illumination and will reconstruct a bridge (#1922) parallel to
the existing bridge at the Alaska Railroad crossing.
Parks Highway MP 48.8 to 52.3 Reconstruction
FFY17 2017 STIP $52,800,000 Upgrade the existing two-lane road to a four-lane divided
highway with at-grade intersections spaced every half mile.
Parks Highway MP 163-183 Rehabilitation
FFY16 2016 STIP $56,500,000 Rehabilitate the Parks Hwy between MP 163 and 183 to
accommodate heavy truck loads associated with the
construction of a natural gas pipeline.
Parks Highway MP 163-305 Passing Lanes
FFY13-14 2014 STIP $60,500,000 Construct passing lanes at approximately 6 locations between
MP 163 and 305 along the Parks Highway to improve safety
and accommodate increased truck traffic associated with the
construction of a natural gas pipeline.
Parks Highway MP 183-188 Reconstruction
FFY16 2016 STIP $40,000,000 Reconstruct the Parks Highway between MP 183-188 and
replace the East Fork Chulitna River Bridge #0260.
Parks Highway MP 194 Broad Pass Railroad Overcrossing
FFY13 2014 STIP $25,500,000 Reconstruct approximately 1 mile of the Parks Highway at its
intersection with the Alaska Railroad at MP 194. Work
includes construction of a highway overpass over the Alaska
Railroad. The project will require construction of a new bridge
crossing of the Middle Fork of the Chulitna River and grade
raises.
Parks Highway Riley Creek Bridge Replacement and Access Improvements
FFY14 2014 STIP $15,000,000 Replace the Riley Creek Bridge #0695 located on the Parks
Highway MP 237. Construct auxiliary lane(s) for Denali
National Park entrance at MP 237, a parking area accessible
to Riley Creek, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities crossing
Riley Creek.
Parks Highway MP 252-263 Rehabilitation
FFY13 2014 STIP $31,200,000 Reconstruct the Parks Hwy between MP 239 and 263 to
improve overall safety and to support the construction of a
natural gas pipeline. This project will also construct passing
and turn lanes where applicable.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix C – Page 4 June 2014
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
South Big Lake Road Realignment
FY13 2013 GF (SB160) $12,200,000 Construct 2.5 miles of new roadway between the intersection
of Susitna Parkway and Burma Road and South Big Lake
Road and Jade Lane to increase safety and mobility in the Big
Lake area.
Notes:
1 FY denotes State fiscal year. FFY denotes federal fiscal year.
2 Calendar year.
Obligation Year—This refers to the state or federal fiscal year in which funding was, or will be,
made available for use by the project.
Construction Year—This refers to the calendar year in which construction activities will begin.
Funding Source—This column identifies the state or federal appropriations and program
funding being utilized to pay for construction of the project.
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
Table C.3. Planned Highway Projects
Project Name Reference
Document
Planning
Horizon Cost Scope
Big Lake Road
Reconstruction
Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2025 --1 Reconstruct Big Lake Road from Northshore Drive to
the Parks Highway to create a 4-lane facility.
Burma Road
Reconstruction
Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
Baseline -- Reconstruct Burma Road between Big Lake Road and
Point MacKenzie Road.
Glenn Highway Farm
Avenue Partial
Interchange
AMATS MTP 2023 Construct a partial interchange at Glenn
Highway/Farm Avenue.
Knik-Goose Bay Road
Reconstruction
Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2015 -- Reconstruct Knik-Goose Bay Road from Settler's Bay
growth area to the junction of the Palmer Wasilla
Highway to create a 4-lane facility.
Knik-Goose Bay
Road/Point MacKenzie
Road Reconstruction
Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2025 -- --
Parks Highway Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2015 -- Reconstruct the Parks Highway between Seward
Meridian Parkway and Lucille Street to create a 6-lane
facility.
Parks Highway
Reconstruction
Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2025 -- Reconstruct the Parks Highway between Lucille Street
and Crusey Street to create a 6-lane facility.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix C – Page 5 June 2014
Project Name Reference Document Planning Horizon Cost Scope
Parks Highway
Rehabilitation
Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2025 -- Upgrade the Parks Highway Freeway section west of
Seward Meridian Road to Crusey Street to an
Expressway.
Vine Road Mat-Su Borough
LRTP
2025 -- Reconstruct Vine Road from the Parks Highway to
Knik-Goose Bay Road, upgrading to a minor arterial
facility.
Notes:
1 “--” indicates that data for a given cell was not provided in the reference document.
Project Name—This column identifies the title of the planned project.
Reference Document—This is the planning document that identifies the project as a need.
Planning Horizon—This is the year in which the project
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX D: AVIATION DATA FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS,
FUNDED PROJECTS, AND PLANNED PROJECTS
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 1 June 2014
Tables presenting projected future annual operations, currently funded aviation projects, and
planned aviation projects are included in this appendix. More explanation on each of the column
headings is included after each table.
Table D.1 Projected Future Annual Operations
Airport1 2015 2020 2025 2030
ANC 224,997 242,275 261,738 281,942
FAI 130,123 136,248 145,486 156,128
LHD 62,649 65,460 71,142 78,348
MRI 131,661 136,877 142,299 147,936
IYS 35,164 41,242 47,340 55,415
PAQ 51,660 58,892 67,136 76,535
UUO/2X2 51,882 59,345 67,997 78,049
TKA 44,600 54,000 65,500 80,100
ENN 4,300 4,700 5,200 5,700
HRR 947 952 941 930
UMM 794 798 789 779
Note:
1 Projected annual operations were determined using growth rates identified in each airport’s master plan.
Airport—This identifies the airport facility by the Location Identification Code assigned by the
International Air Transport Association. Se Table B.5 for more information.
2015-2030—These are the years that projected annual operations are provided for.
Table D.2. Funded Aviation Projects
Obligation
Year1
Construction
Year2
Funding
Source Cost Scope
Anchorage International Aircraft Firefighting Training Facility Replacement3
FY15 -- AIP $2,800,000 Replace the current fire training pit to comply with AC
150/5220-17b, meet environmental standards and improve
safety. This will include removal of existing apparatus and
failed containment, and installation of a propane-fueled
training simulator.
Anchorage International Airfield Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance
FY14-15 2014-2015 AIP $35,000,000 Remove existing asphalt surface of Runway 7L and replace
unsuitable subgrade soils, rehabilitate the storm drain
system, replace runway lighting, re-pave, stripe, and sign.
Anchorage International Airfield Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance
FY16 2016 AIP -- Reconstruct Concourse B hardstands: gates B1, B3 and
B5; Taxiway T and R rehabilitation.
Anchorage International Airfield Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance
FY17 -- AIP -- --
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 2 June 2014
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
Anchorage International Airfield Pavement Reconstruction and Maintenance
FY18 2018 AIP -- Rehabilitate Taxiway F and rehabilitate and widen Runway
15/33.
Anchorage International East/West Parallel Taxiway
FY18 -- -- -- --
Anchorage International Kulis Building 42 Fire Rescue Building Upgrades
FY15 -- AIDEA -- --
Anchorage International South Airpark Access Road Construction
FY18 -- -- -- --
Anchorage International Structure Fire Training Facility
FY14 -- AIP $425,000 Replace the current Structure Fire Training facility to
comply with industry standards. This will include removal of
existing connex mock-ups and installation of a pre-
fabricated two-story training simulator.
Anchorage International Taxiway K Safety Widening
FY15 -- AIP $5,200,000 Widen the safety areas and object free areas on each side
of Taxiway K, from Taxiway J to Taxiway C, to meet Design
Group VI aircraft standards.
Anchorage International Taxiway Y Safety Widening
FY15 -- AIP $5,200,000 Widen the safety areas and object free areas on each side
of Taxiway Y, from Taxiway K to Taxiway S, to meet
Design Group VI aircraft standards.
Fairbanks International ARFF Facility Upgrades
FY14 2014 AIP $11,200,000 Relocate an existing non-heated pole-storage building and
biffy dump to allow for and to construct a new sand storage
and de-icing storage building.
Fairbanks International Security Upgrades
FY15 2015 AIP $4,000,000 This project will upgrades the security system at Fairbanks
International.
Lake Hood A & B Apron Rehabilitation
FY15 --3 -- -- --
Lake Hood A & B Temporary Parking
FY14 -- -- -- --
Lake Hood Bank Stabilization
FY17-18 -- AIP $263,200 Stabilize the lake bank of Lake Hood and Spenard in areas
experiencing erosion and, in select areas, reclaim some of
the land are lost due to erosion. Funds will also be used to
purchase privately-owned property around Lake Hood and
Lake Spenard.
Lake Hood Land Acquisition & Access Control
FFY14 -- AIP $1,050,000 --
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 3 June 2014
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
Merrill Field Airport Improvements
>FFY14 -- AIP $4,900,000 --
Palmer Airport Improvements
>FFY13 -- AIP $225,000 Runway rehabilitation of Runway 16/34.
Palmer Cargo Rehabilitation
>FFY14 -- AIP $14,000,000 Rehabilitation of the cargo apron and other cargo areas.
Wasilla Airport Access Road
FY08-14 2014 GF—SB 53
(FY08) SB 221
(FY09) SB 46
(FY12) SB 18
(FY14)
$7,100,000 Construct a new two-lane paved access road from S. Mack
Drive approximately .9 miles to the airport to improve
access and emergency response time.
Wasilla Airport Fencing
>FFY13 -- AIP $300,000 Install airport security fencing around the perimeter of the
Wasilla Airport.
Wasilla Sea Plane Base
>FFY14 -- AIP $1,800,000 Construct a sea plane base at the Wasilla Airport.
Notes:
1 FY denotes State fiscal year. FFY denotes federal fiscal year.
2 Calendar year.
3 “--” indicates that data was not available.
Obligation Year—This refers to the state or federal fiscal year in which funding was, or will be,
made available for use by the project.
Construction Year—This refers to the calendar year in which construction activities will begin.
Funding Source—This column identifies the state or federal appropriations and program
funding being utilized to pay for construction of the project.
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 4 June 2014
Table D.3. Planned Aviation Projects
Project Name Reference Document Planning Horizon Cost Scope
Healy River Airport Lighting
Improvements
1 --2 $1,700,000 Project will replace the existing lighting system.
Nenana Phase I Airfield
Improvements
Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $4,160,000 Reconstruct runway and relocate threshold to meet
safety area regulations, replace navigational aids,
reconstruct runway lighting, taxiway lighting, and
reconstruct beacon tower and its foundation.
Remove all tree obstructions to Runways 03/21
and 03C/21C. Overlay Taxiways A & B and apron,
repair settlement areas, reconstruct settlement
areas, and reconstruct Taxiway C and parallel
service road.
Nenana Phase II Airfield
Improvements
Airport
Master Plan
FY21 $2,100,000 Construct a 400 runway extension for 3L/21L to
the south, relocate navigational aids construct a
new Snow Removal Equipment Storage Building,
construct a gravel apron on 03C/21C
Palmer Helipad Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $96,000 Construction of a helipad on the old taxiway
directly in from of the FSS. This helipad should be
sized to accommodate an H-60 size helicopter.
Palmer Shelter Hangars on
Apron
Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $1,722,000 Construction of a number of inexpensive, open
shelter hangars on the existing Apron A just north
of the FSS. The initial number of hangars built will
depend on the level of interest from local pilots, but
is anticipated that at least two ten-unit hangars
should be built. Additional hangars will be needed.
Palmer Preparation of Large
Commercial Lease Lots
Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $7,364,000 Prepare the large lease lots along the south side of
RW 9 by removal of peat and placement fill.
Palmer Expansion of Large
Aircraft Apron
Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $4,942,000 Expansion of the large aircraft apron on the south
side of the airport. The apron would be expanded
800 feet to the north of the existing apron to allow
future development of nearby least lots.
Palmer Gravel Taxiway Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $202,000 Construction of a short connector taxiway between
the midpoint of RW 16G-34G and TW A.
Palmer Aviation Campground Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $383,000 Development of a basic campground for aircraft on
land acquired a s a buffer against residential
development on the west side of the airport. This
project would include construction of a gravel
taxiway and removal of some trees.
Palmer Seasonal Ski Strip Airport
Master Plan
FY14 $18,000 This project would develop a seasonal ski strip on
the east side of the end of RW 34, allowing for a
dedicated parking area and strip for ski aircraft
without affecting snow removal efforts on the
remainder of the airport.
Palmer General Aviation
Lease Lots in Norwest
Corner of Airport
Airport
Master Plan
FY19 $11,324,000 Development of additional general aviation lease
lots on land to be acquired at the northwest corner
of the airport Development would include lease
lots, apron expansion, access roads, and a tree
buffer to the west. Project would require relocating
a portion of Airport Road and installing utilities.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 5 June 2014
Project Name Reference Document Planning Horizon Cost Scope
Palmer Apron Expansion Airport
Master Plan
FY19 $2,976,000 Expansion of Apron A to the south of the FSS to
TW J. This apron expansion would replace tie-
down spaces lost to hangar construction on the
existing Apron A. This apron would also potential
provide a tie-down area for ski planes that need
access to the nearby gravel runway.
Palmer Parallel Taxiway Airport
Master Plan
FY19 $3,157,000 Construction of a partial parallel taxiway along the
south side of RW 9-27 from the end of RW 9 to TW
A. This taxiway would provide access to lease lots
along the south side of the runway.
Palmer Acquisition of Buffer
Property
Airport
Master Plan
FY19 $6,950,000 Acquisition of land directly adjacent to the south
and northeast of the airport to ensure compatible
land use and to ensure space for long term airport
growth.
Palmer Extension of Gulkana
Street
Airport
Master Plan
FY29 $3,029,000 Extend Gulkana Street south to Cope Industrial
Way.
Talkeetna Commercial Apron
Phase I
Airport
Master Plan
-- $464,000 Development of approximately 13,300 square
meters of apron in south
Talkeetna Large Lease Lots Airport
Master Plan
-- $172,000 Development of lease lots on South Apron, 5 each
Talkeetna Property
Acquisition
Airport
Master Plan
-- $13,000 Acquire portion of L11, B2, Denali Subdivision
Talkeetna Access Road Airport
Master Plan
-- $151,000 Construct an access road from Second Ave. to
M&O site
Talkeetna Transient Apron
Phase I
Airport
Master Plan
-- $523,000 Develop approximately 4,200 square meters of
apron
Talkeetna Floodplain
Mitigation
Airport
Master Plan
-- $3,700,000 --
Talkeetna General Aviation
Auto Parking
Airport
Master Plan
-- $61,000 Construct auto parking lot for general aviation
patrons
Talkeetna Abandoned
Landfill Remediation
Airport
Master Plan
-- $2,200,000 --
Talkeetna Large Lease Lots Airport
Master Plan
-- $160,000 Development of lease lots on south apron, 3 each
Talkeetna Transient Apron
Phase II
Airport
Master Plan
-- $250,000 Development of approximately 9,000 square
meters of apron
Talkeetna Commercial Apron
Phase II
Airport
Master Plan
-- $120,000 Development of approximately 4,500 square
meters of apron in south
Talkeetna Large Lease Lots Airport
Master Plan
-- $30,000 Development of lease lots on south apron, 2 each
Talkeetna Small Lease Lots Airport
Master Plan
-- $15,000 Development of lease lots on south apron, 3 each
Talkeetna CCP with Taxiway Airport
Master Plan
-- $130,000 --
Talkeetna
GA/Commercial/Ski Plane
Apron
Airport
Master Plan
-- $720,000 Development of an apron to the north
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 6 June 2014
Project Name Reference Document Planning Horizon Cost Scope
Talkeetna Small Lease Lots Airport
Master Plan
-- $90,000 Development of lease lots on north apron, 4 each
Talkeetna Secondary Access
Road
Airport
Master Plan
-- $1,400,000 --
Willow Runway and Apron
Expansion
2 -- $3,800,000 Project will provide fencing for the perimeter of the
upland airport, barrier fencing behind the floatplane
leaseholds, completion of a new GA apron with
100 tie downs; rehabilitation and extension of the
existing access road with vehicle parking for the
apron; taxiway and runway surface repairs,
construction of two new taxiways; tree clearing;
and a new lighted segmented circle.
Willow Expanded Tie Down,
Road Access, and Taxiway
connection near Runway 31
Airport
Master Plan
FY18 $3,373,000 Develop general aviation tie down area for based
and transient aircraft on the south end of the
airport where tie downs would be closer to services
at the town center. Extend access road to new tie
down area. Construct a 90 degree taxiway
connection to end of Runway 31. Provide paved
taxiway or run-up pad to reduce dust. Acquire
railroad spur land to facilitate railroad spur
removal.
Willow Taxiway, Road and
Lease Lot Expansion near
Runway 13
Airport
Master Plan
FY18 $9,572,000 Extend road and taxiway access to lease area on
the northwest part of the airport. Widen road to
allow parallel public parking. Extend taxiway
connection to Runway 13. Pave taxiway.
Willow Road and Helipad
Construction
Airport
Master Plan
FY23 $428,000 --
Willow Automated Weather
Observation System (AWOS)
Airport
Master Plan
FY23 $1,568,000 Install AWOS and secondary access to each end
of airport.
Willow NE Airport Lease Lot
and Tie Down Expansion
Airport
Master Plan
FY33 $13,966,000 Expand taxiway and road access to the northeast
part of the airport to facilitate lease lot
development.
Willow SW Airport Tie Down
Expansion
Airport
Master Plan
FY33 $6,892,000 Expand tie-downs near the southwest part of the
airport.
Willow Gravel/Ski Strip
Construction
Airport
Master Plan
FY33 $2,370,000 Construct gravel/ski strip to facilitate future paving
of the main runway, if needed.
Willow Aircraft Highway
Crossing Improvements
Airport
Master Plan
FY18 $215,000 Complete signage and flashing light system to
warn drivers of aircraft being trailered across the
Parks Highway.
Willow Haven Senior Center
Access
Airport
Master Plan
FY18 $226,000 Construct new access to remove Senior Center
vehicle traffic routed through airport property and
Willow Lake Access Road, where floatplanes are
being trailered across the highway.
Willow Boat Purchase and
Buoy Replacement
Airport
Master Plan
FY18 $113,000 Purchase a boat for lake maintenance and water
rescue. Replace lake buoys that mark lake
operating areas.
Notes:
1 Data provided by ADOT&PF region, not a reference document.
2 “--“ indicates that data for a given cell was not provided in the reference document.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix D – Page 7 June 2014
Project Name—This column identifies the title of the planned project.
Reference Document—This is the planning document that identifies the project as a need.
Planning Horizon—This is the year in which the project
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX E: RAIL DATA FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS,
FUNDED PROJECTS, AND PLANNED PROJECTS
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix E – Page 1 June 2014
Tables presenting projected future annual daily operations, currently funded rail projects, and
planned rail projects are included in this appendix. More explanation on each of the column
headings is included after each table.
Table E.1. Projected Future Annual Daily Operations
Year Summer Winter
Freight Passenger Total Freight Passenger Total
Anchorage1
2015 8 8 16 10 2 12
2020 10 16 26 9 8 17
2025 12 18 30 10 12 22
2030 14 20 34 10 16 26
Fairbanks
2015 3 2 5 3 0 3
2020 2 2 4 2 0 2
2025 2 4 6 2 0 2
2030 2 4 6 2 0 2
Seward
2015 2 4 6 1 0 1
2020 2 4 6 1 0 1
2025 3 4 7 2 0 2
2030 3 4 7 2 0 2
Whittier
2015 6 4 10 6 0 6
2020 6 4 10 6 0 6
2025 8 4 12 6 0 6
2030 8 4 12 6 0 6
Totals 91 106 197 78 38 116
Note:
1 Estimated future daily arrivals/departures are not included for Cantwell, Chulitna, Curry Quarry, Gold Creek,
and Port MacKenzie. These locations are not currently scheduled stops and do not have projected operations
associated with them.
Year—This indicates the calendar year.
Summer—ARRC’s summer schedule is in effect from May 15 – September 15 each year.
Winter—ARRC’s winter schedule is in effect from September 15 – May 15 each year.
Freight—This column describes the number of daily arrivals/departures for ARRC’s freight
trains.
Passenger—This column describes the number of daily arrivals/departures for ARRC’s
passenger trains.
Total—This column shows the sum of daily arrivals/departures for passenger and freight trains.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix E – Page 2 June 2014
Table E.2. Funded Rail Projects
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
Collision Avoidance System
FY99-FY17 3 FTA
FRA
ARRC
GF (SB 18)
$153,640,000 Institute Positive Train Control (PTC), to include
hardware and software applications that ensure track
integrity, monitor switches, and instrumentation detectors
for high load, avalanche, and hot wheels conditions. On-
track vehicles will also be integrated into this system.
MP 415 Crossing Relocation and Track Realignment
FFY12 2013 FTA $1,643,000 Realign approximately three miles of track near RR MP
415, and relocate FAA Access Road and a nearby spur,
eliminating one at-grade crossing.
Port MacKenzie Rail Extension
FY08-FY13 2012-2018 GF—SB 53
(FY08), SB 221
(FY09), SB 230
(FY11), SB 46
(FY12), SB 160
(FY13) GO
Bond (SB 286)
$300,000,0004 Construct a spur connected Port MacKenzie to ARRC’s
mainline track near Houston; to be constructed in eight
segments.
Notes:
1 FY denotes State fiscal year. FFY denotes federal fiscal year.
2 Calendar year.
3 Project is ongoing and is expected to be complete in 2018.
4 Funding sources listed have provided $171 million in project funds.
Obligation Year—This refers to the state or federal fiscal year in which funding was, or will be,
made available for use by the project.
Construction Year—This refers to the calendar year in which construction activities will begin.
Funding Source—This column identifies the state or federal appropriations and program
funding being utilized to pay for construction of the project.
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix E – Page 3 June 2014
Table E.3. Planned Rail Projects
Project Name Reference Document Planning Horizon Cost Scope
Anchorage Intermodal
Transportation Facility
ARRC Economic
Stimulus Package
Document
--1 $50,000,000 Construct an integrated Intermodal Transportation
Center and associated improvements, including
pedestrian amenities, transit infrastructure, parking
and track modifications, in the Ship Creek basin in
lower downtown Anchorage.
South Wasilla Rail Line
Relocation
ARRC Economic
Stimulus Package
Document
-- $40,000,000 Realign four miles of mainline track; to include a
new bridge over Wasilla Creek, new embankments
and underpasses, two new grade-separated
crossings, the removal of five at-grade crossings,
and the realignment of Old Matanuska Road.
Nenana Rail Line
Relocation
ARRC Economic
Stimulus Package
Document
-- $30,000,000 Substantially realign the mainline track in Nenana;
to include a new embankment, a new bridge over
the Parks Highway, and two culvert underpasses.
Anchorage to Seward
Track Rehabilitation
ARRC Economic
Stimulus Package
Document
-- $100,000,000 Rehabilitate 100 miles of track; to include 140-
pound continuous welded rail, new wooden ties,
concrete ties on curves, and ballast resurfacing.
Note:
1 “--“ indicates that data for a given cell was not provided in the reference document.
Project Name—This column identifies the title of the planned project.
Reference Document—This is the planning document that identifies the project as a need.
Planning Horizon—This is the year in which the project
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX F: PORT DATA FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS,
FUNDED PROJECTS, AND PLANNED PROJECTS
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix F – Page 1 June 2014
Tables presenting projected future annual vessel calls, currently funded port projects, and
planned port projects are included in this appendix. More explanation on each of the column
headings is included after each table.
Table F.1. Projected Future Annual Vessel Calls
Port 2015 2020 2025 2030
Port of Anchorage 459 506 557 615
Port MacKenzie 14 46 100 100
Port of Seward Data Unavailable1
Port of Whittier 92 97 102 109
Note:
1 Based on available vessel call data for recent years, no reasonable growth rate has been determined by ARRC
for future annual vessel calls for the Port of Seward.
Port—This column shows the name of each port.
2015-2030—These are the years that projected annual vessel calls are provided for.
Table F.2. Funded Port Projects
Obligation
Year1
Construction
Year2
Funding
Source Cost Scope
Point MacKenzie Road Pavement
FFY14 2014 FHWA $1,500,000 Pave .2 miles of Point MacKenzie Road, entering Port
MacKenzie.
Port of Anchorage Port Intermodal Expansion
FY02-
FY14
--3 GF—SB 47
(FY02), SB 29
(FY04), SB 283
(FY06), SB 53
(FY08), SB 221
(FY09), SB 75
(FY10), SB 230
(FY11), SB 46
(FY12), SB 160
(FY13) GO
Bond (SB 286)
POA
$300,087,5624 Expand, restructure, and improve the Port of Anchorage; to
include the addition of 1,700 lineal feet of dock space, and
upgrade of 135 acres of land to accommodate industrial
development activities. Upon completion the Port will have
7 functioning ships berths and 2 public barge berths.
Port of Anchorage Port Intermodal Expansion5
FFY02-
FFY12
-- FHWA
DoD
$138,676,6344 See above.
Port of Anchorage Wharf Pile Enhancements
FY14-
FY19
2014-2019 Port of
Anchorage
$3,000,000 Provide upgrades to existing wharf pilings as necessary to
control corrosion.
Port MacKenzie Cathodic Protection
FY14 2014 GF (SB 18) $2,500,000 Begin installing 57 pipe pile sleeves, 14 fender pile sleeves,
and in Impress Current Anode System to protect the
galvanized pile coating.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix F – Page 2 June 2014
Obligation Year1 Construction Year2 Funding Source Cost Scope
Port MacKenzie Rail Extension
FY08-
FY13
2012-2018 GF—SB 53
(FY08), SB 221
(FY09), SB 230
(FY11), SB 46
(FY12), SB 160
(FY13) GO
Bond (SB 286)
$300,000,0006 Construct a spur connected Port MacKenzie to ARRC’s
mainline track near Houston; to be constructed in six
segments.
Notes:
1 FY denotes State fiscal year. FFY denotes federal fiscal year.
2 Calendar year.
3 A sheet pile system was installed in 2012 that is not suitable for the wet barge and deep draft berths. A new
concept design study is underway and an alternative has not yet been selected.
4 This dollar amount represents the funds obligated to date, not overall estimated cost.
5 This project is part of the above-mentioned project; representing the federal dollars spent to date in project
development.
6 Funding sources listed have provided $171 million in project funds.
Obligation Year—This refers to the state or federal fiscal year in which funding was, or will be,
made available for use by the project.
Construction Year—This refers to the calendar year in which construction activities will begin.
Funding Source—This column identifies the state or federal appropriations and program
funding being utilized to pay for construction of the project.
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
Table F.3. Planned Port Projects
Project Name Reference
Document
Planning
Horizon Cost Scope
Port of Anchorage
Port Intermodal
Expansion1
MOA Capital Plan FY17 --2 Expand, restructure, and improve the Port of
Anchorage; to include the addition of 1,700 lineal
feet of dock space, and upgrade of 135 acres of
land to accommodate industrial development
activities. Upon completion the Port will have 7
functioning ships berths and 2 public barge berths.
Port MacKenzie Deep
Draft Dock #2 and Fill
Expansion
Port MacKenzie
Master Plan,
Interview with Port
Director
FY20 $80,000,000 Complete 21.5 acres of fill expansion and
construct trestles and an additional deep draft
dock to accommodate increased vessel traffic.
Port MacKenzie
Natural Gas Facilities
Port MacKenzie
Master Plan
-- -- Construct natural gas facilities, including liquids
processing, petrochemical, refinery, power plant,
LNG plant, and other value added gas processing
facilities, as needed to support developing
industry.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Appendix F – Page 3 June 2014
Project Name Reference Document Planning Horizon Cost Scope
Port MacKenzie
Petroleum Processing
and Storage
Port MacKenzie
Master Plan
-- -- Construct petroleum storage and processing
facility, including a pipeline connection to
Anchorage.
Port MacKenzie Pile
Sleeve Protection
Interview with Port
Director
FY14 $3,000,000 Continue installing 57 pipe pile sleeves, 14 fender
pile sleeves, and in Impress Current Anode
System to protect the galvanized pile coating.
Port MacKenzie Rail
and Vessel Loading
and Unloading Facility
Port MacKenzie
Master Plan
-- -- Construct link between new rail loop to Port
MacKenzie and docking facilities.
Seward (East) Dock
Expansion Phase I
Seward Terminal
Reserve Dock
Facilities Master
Plan
-- $25,000,000 Widen the existing freight dock by 120 feet and
extend it by approximately 400 feet to
accommodate Panamax size and large cruise
vessels. Construct/relocate jetty and remove
existing sediment groin, and rehabilitate support
tracks and extend tracks and utility service to
expanded dock.
Seward Dock
Expansion Phase II
Seward Terminal
Reserve Dock
Facilities Master
Plan
-- $46,000,000 Dredge basin on the east side of the freight dock
and fill uplands to accommodate freight customer
uplands operations and support needs.
Seward Dock
Expansion Phase III
Seward Terminal
Reserve Dock
Facilities Master
Plan
-- $12,000,000 Extend Port Avenue to connect with Airport
Avenue; including utilities, security measures and
other appurtenances. Lease and develop upland
parcels to accommodate customer operations and
support needs, and improve intermodal operating
areas.
Whittier Wharf
Replacement and
Staging Areas
ARRC Economic
Stimulus Package
Document
-- $60,000,000 Replace 1,000-foot long Marginal Wharf that was
demolished in 2008, and construct a new 6,000-
foot long arrival/departure rail track.
Notes:
1 Design for this project is funded. Construction currently is not.
2 “--“ indicates that data for a given cell was not provided in the reference document.
Project Name—This column identifies the title of the planned project.
Reference Document—This is the planning document that identifies the project as a need.
Planning Horizon—This is the year in which the project
Cost—This is the cost of the construction phase of the project and does not include expenditures
for design, right-of-way acquisition, or utility-related activities.
Scope—The scope is the statement identifying the intended outcome of the project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX G: INTERVIEWS
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 2
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Sara Mason Name: Marc VanDongen
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: Port MacKenzie
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907) 746-7414
Date: August 8, 2013 Time: 10 a.m.
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: Port MacKenzie Operations, M&O, Capacity, Capacity Issues, and Safety
Discussion:
Operations
1) What type of freight does Port MacKenzie move?
Marc stated that the primary function of the port was to ship bulk commodities such as cement
wood chips. But, the port has also shipped other break-bulk goods destined for various
locations throughout the state.
2) Are you expecting new commodities to be coming through the port in the future?
Marc brought up Port MacKenzie’s Master Plan and discussed, at length, the analysis that
went into the elements of this plan. Experts identified opportunities for developing many
natural resources including coal, timber, limestone, copper, lead, and zinc. Other
products/services were also identified; oil and gas field modules, pipeline logistics, and natural
gas processing.
3) Do you have any annual projections for future annual tonnage?
Projections by tonnage are hard to forecast at this point since many of the potential markets
served have not yet developed mines in the area. But, the Port MacKenzie Master Plan
indicates quantities, by commodity, that may be extracted during the life of the operation.
M&O Costs
1) What are the port’s annual maintenance costs?
Marc said that the cost of maintaining the port is approximately $750,000 annually at this point
in time and that he expected this number to largely remain the same until the rail line is
completed to the port.
2) How do you expect M&O costs to increase over time?
After this connection is complete, operations and maintenance costs will increase, but at the
point the port will be generating more than enough revenue to cover those costs and the M&O
costs will no longer be funded through MSB GF dollars.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 1
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 2 of 2
Capacity
1) How many ships move through the port monthly?
Last year the port had less than 10 vessel calls. But, the port is capable of serving some of
the largest class vessels in the world, including Panamax and Capesize vessels. Once the rail
extension to the port is complete, it is believe that the number of annual vessel calls will
increase dramatically.
2) Do you have any plans to improve or expand facilities?
Marc said that Port MacKenzie does have plans to make improvements such as sheet pile
protection. The port is also installing a five million gallon tank farm and is planning on adding
a second deep draft dock in the next eight to ten years. The port is in the process of working
on a permit for this dock addition. A rail connection between the uplands and the dock at the
port is also being planned.
Capacity Issues
1) Are there current capacity issues at the port?
Marc said that there are no capacity issues at the port.
2) Do you expect any capacity issues in the next several years?
Marc stated that he doesn’t foresee their being capacity issues, particularly with the
construction of an additional deep draft dock. He did mention that if enough trains are moving
to and from the port, additional sidings alone the mainline track may be beneficial at some
point in the future.
Safety
1) Have any incidents occurred in recent years at Port MacKenzie?
Marc explained that no accidents have occurred at Port MacKenzie, including no breakage of
tie downs. The port requires an extra ten lines and one to two extra tugs when ice is flowing.
Marc said that the port requires an English-speaking navigator to be on board the vessel from
Homer to the port to ensure that communication is effective. Port MacKenzie takes safety very
seriously and is proud of its safety record.
Action Item:
None.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 2
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 2
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Sara Mason Name: Bruce Carr
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: Alaska Railroad Corporation
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907) 265-2468
Date: August 22, 2013 Time: 11 a.m.
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: ARRC Maintenance and Capacity
Discussion:
1) On average, what are ARRC’s annual O&M costs and how are these costs expected to increase
in the next 20 years?
Sara and Bruce discussed the inherent risk in using average values to determine future costs.
Bruce explained the impacts of significant cost increases in recent years; to include the rising
costs of employee health care, wages, and fuel. M&O costs for the railroad in 2013 are
estimated to be approximately $120 million, up $15 million from 3 years ago.
In estimating future costs, Bruce suggested calculating a minimum 3% increase for the first
five years, a 4% increase for the next five, and then 5% for the next ten years. As the
economy continues to rebound and an increase in costs worldwide will drive domestic inflation
up.
2) Will the Port MacKenzie and Northern Rail Extensions (NRE) add significant O&M cost?
Bruce indicated that ARRC does not anticipate significant M&O impact from the two projects
during the initial years. Subsequent traffic increases on the Port Mac extension will cause
additional costs but revenue will also be generated to offset those costs. The NRE M&O costs
will be restricted to bridge maintenance until such time as the structure is connected to
ARRC’s mainline.
3) What is the railroad’s current capacity?
Bruce said that at one point in time, it was estimated the Alaska Railroad could operate north
of 50 trains a day. In some instances certain operating practices such as “fleeting” trains uni-
directionally could result in eighty or ninety trains a day. Bruce emphasized that these are
theoretical numbers and that they assume perfect operating conditions and practices, which
are rarely achieved.
The railroad is currently significantly underutilized. Passenger capacity is currently only limited
by how many passenger cars are in the fleet.
Freight capacity is probably at 30% utilization. There is an inherent conflict between freight
and passenger trains, however, considering that passenger trains generally operate during the
Part A - Appendix G - Page 3
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 2 of 2
day and freight trains can operate at night, these conflicts can be minimized in the current
operating model.
4) Are there currently any capacity issues? (A need for additional sidings or yard expansions?)
The Fairbanks and Anchorage yards are older yards (designed and rebuilt in the 50’s).
Improvements have been designed but at the present, there is no need to implement until we
are sure the congestion is going to increase.
ARRC has plans to implement, when necessary, passing sidings of 8,000 feet, about every
twenty miles or thereabouts. The train traffic has yet to materialize that would dictate this
construction. Generally, train departures at the Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward and Whittier
terminals are adjusted to reduce delays of trains sitting in sidings.
5) Do you expect that there will be any capacity issues in the future? If so, what are some of the
proposed remedies?
Because the railroad is currently under-utilized, additional business, especially freight, can be
handled on current trains.
If need be, capacity increases can be handled in a number of different ways and can be
phased as necessary. Fleet and infrastructure improvements such as additional railcars,
additional locomotives, power switches, adding additional cars to existing trains, adding
additional trains, more sidings, and increasing yard capacity are some of the more obvious
ways to improve capacity. Changing schedules increasing train speeds, running trains closer
together, and fleeting trains are operational practices which also can be implemented.
Action Item:
None.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 4
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 3
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Sara Mason Name: Rich Wilson
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: Port of Anchorage
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907) 343-6201
Date: August 23, 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m.
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: Port of Anchorage Operations, M&O, Capacity, Capacity Issues, and Safety
Discussion:
Operations Data
1) What type of freight does POA move?
Rich stated that POA moves several types of freight, to include (but not limited to):
vans/flats/containers, cement, iron/steel, vehicles, and petroleum. Some large break-bulk
comes through, as well as the occasional cruise ships. POA has been designated a Nationally
Strategic Seaport by the Department of Defense, so military operations also occur here.
2) Are you expecting that any new commodities will be coming through the port in the future?
Rich said that POA just recently started working on an updated business plan. Upon its
completion, the port should have a better idea about the potential for new commodities.
3) Do you have any annual projections for future annual tonnage, by commodity?
Rich again mentioned the business plan.
M&O Costs
1) What are your current M&O costs, not including dredging (USACE)? Where does this funding
come from?
Rich said that all M&O costs can be found on POA’s website at www.portofalaska.com and
with OMB. Generally, M&O costs are covered through revenue generated by the port.
Dredging of the small boat harbor occurs once a year and costs for this have been fairly
reasonable and consistent.
2) How do you expect M&O costs to increase over time?
Rich said that, generally, the trend has been 2-3% per year, but that this number will need to
be tweaked based on specific issues that arise.
3) What are the costs for dredging? And how often does dredging occur?
Part A - Appendix G - Page 5
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 2 of 3
Rich said that DOWL HKM should seek this information directly from USACE, but did say that
dredging shouldn’t need to occur more frequently in the future.
Capacity
1) How many ships move through the port weekly/monthly?
Rich explained that currently, 4-5 ships per week docked at POA; four container ships and
sometimes one other ship. Fuel ships (17 last year) come in occasionally and stay docked for
24-48 hours. Occasionally, ships will dock and remain for ten days or more. Barge traffic is
present during the non-ice months.
2) Can you tell me about the port expansion project?
Rich mentioned that there was a lot of data on the POA’s website.
3) Do you have any other projects planned to expand/enhance facilities?
See website.
4) Once these projects are completed, how many ships per week/month will be able to move
through the port?
See above.
5) When will your updated master plan be complete?
Rich said he was not sure.
Capacity Issues
1) Are there current capacity issues at the port?
Rich stated that POA and DOT should work together to address truck traffic issues leaving the
port. There are several choke points and areas of high congestion with train crossings and
narrow driving lanes.
2) Do you expect capacity issues in 5, 10, 20 or 30 years?
Rich reiterated that most of the capacity issues are related to road and rail. He mentioned that
the municipality is currently preparing to move forward with a freight mobility study, so
hopefully that might be a step toward alleviating the congestion issues that exist around the
port.
Easements
1) Are there any undeveloped easements on or adjacent to POA land?
Rich said that KABATA had a floating easement at one point, but that it has since been
Part A - Appendix G - Page 6
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 3 of 3
defined and made stationary. The easement travels along the base of the cliff line and will
occupy a sizeable swath of leasable property for non-port use.
Safety
1) Have any accidents occurred in recent years at POA?
Rich directed DOWL HKM to OMB and MOA’s website. He said that POA has a dedicated
safety officer and that the port takes safety very seriously.
Action Item:
None.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 7
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 2
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Sara Mason Name: Jim Hunt
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: City of Seward
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907)
Date: September 2, 2013 Time: 8:00 a.m.
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: Port of Seward Operations, M&O, Capacity, Capacity Issues, and Safety
Discussion:
Operations
1) Does Seward primarily serve to import goods or export goods?
Jim indicated that Seward serves both. Equipment, materials, and other goods bound for the
North Slope and many rural communities enter the state in Seward. But, Seward also exports
all of the coal extracted from the Usibelli Cola Mine in Healy.
2) Are any new commodities expected to move through Seward in the future?
Jim said that ore shipments were anticipated in the future and that because Seward remains
ice-free year around, there are opportunities for other goods to also move through Seward, as
Seward is the back-up port for POA when winter ice prevents passage in Cook Inlet.
3) Do you expect overall operations to increase, decrease, or remain consistent between now
and 2030?
Jim stated that Seward was expecting steady and continued import and export growth over the
next several decades. He directed DOWL HKM to ARRC’s Seward Master Plan. In addition
to planned growth at ARRC’s facilities, he also mentioned a state-funded project to redevelop
the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) to serve fisheries, Homeland Security, offshore
gas and oil exploration, barge traffic, and associated uplands development.
Capacity
1) How are the facilities in Seward currently being operated in terms of capacity?
Jim shared that Seward is running at maximum freight dock capacity and often there are
vessels that circle Resurrection Bay waiting for dock space to open up. He said that ARRC
has applied for a TIGER grant to begin facility upgrades as identified in their Seward Master
Plan. The rail terminal also serves cruise ships; over 50 each summer. So, coal ships and
cruise ships can often be found in close proximity of one another.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 8
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 2 of 2
Capacity Issues
1) Do you currently have any issues with capacity or freight movement (including truck routes to
the facility)?
Jim again referred to ARRC’s Seward Master Plan, indicating that ARRC would like to perform
road construction near the port that would redirect much of the commercial traffic away from
areas where pedestrians/tourists typically travel.
2) Do you anticipate any capacity issues arising within the next 20 years?
Jim said that the city’s electric and water/sewer infrastructure can handle the development
proposed by ARRC and that a lack of expansion will stifle the growing economy.
Safety
1) Have there been any accidents at the port facility in the recent past?
Jim said that last year a man fell to his death at the small boat harbor while loading wet seine
nets, but that no such incidents had occurred at ARRC’s facilities at the port.
2) Are there any safety concerns at the port (environmental, hazards to employees/usuers)?
Jim indicated that there were none at this time. Natural disasters are always on their minds
and Seward is one of the most prepared communities in Alaska. Seward is safety-conscious
and coal dust is highly regulated and controlled. Seward’s harbor is only the second in the
state to become certified as an “Alaskan Clean Harbor.”
Action Item:
None.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 9
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 3
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Sara Mason Name: Bruce Carr
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: Alaska Railroad Corporation
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907) 265-2468
Date: September 26, 2013 Time: 11:45 a.m.
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: Port of Whittier Operations, M&O, Capacity, Capacity Issues, and Safety
Discussion:
Operations
1) Does Whittier primarily serve to import goods, or export goods?
a. Whittier is mainly an import port for railcars, container traffic, and break-bulk of goods
from Seattle and Prince Rupert, Canada.
b. Whittier does export small amounts of scrap steel, hazardous waste, etc.
2) What kind of vessels does the port service?
a. At this point in time, barge traffic.
3) How many vessel calls per year?
a. 90.
4) What types of commodities are typically found on freight barges bound for Whittier? Leaving
Whittier?
a. Imported goods are oil field supplies, machinery, bulk goods such as insulation,
lumber, pipe, chemical products such as LPG, drilling mud, other chemicals for use on
the North Slope.
5) Are any new commodities expected to be moved through Whittier in the future?
a. There is always that possibility but ARRC is not aware of any new commodities, with
the possible exception of LNG.
6) Do you expect overall operations to increase, decrease, or remain consistent between now
and 2030?
a. ARRC anticipates a 1% increase per year in traffic without a natural gas pipeline, a
surge if a pipeline is built of 4 – 10%, then a return to a 1% increase per year.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 10
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 2 of 3
7) Is Whittier an ice-free port?
a. Whittier and Seward are ice-free ports.
Capacity
1) How many acres is the port site (i.e. uplands, tidelands)?
a. Approximately 291 acres.
b. ARRC is acquiring a bit more land for upland development in anticipation of improving
break-bulk service support.
2) What infrastructures exists there (i.e. barge dock, ferry dock, loading facilities)?
a. ARRC owns a barge dock and has joint ownership with the City of Whittier to another
dock aka Army Dock.
b. The AMHS has their own facility on ARRC leased property.
c. There is a private cruise ship dock also on ARRC property.
3) What is the draft depth at MLLW?
a. Army Dock: ~24 feet.
b. Ferry : ~60 feet.
c. Marginal Wharf (where dock used to be): ~24 feet.
4) How are the facilities in Whittier currently being operated, in terms of capacity?
a. 50% capacity with current operating mode, could be substantially improved with better
coordination and access to Whittier Tunnel (joint road/rail tunnel operated by
ADOT&PF).
Capacity Issues
1) Do you currently have any issues with capacity or freight movement (including truck routes to
the facility)?
a. There is only one road in and out of Whittier and must operate through the joint
road/rail tunnel. This is the limiting factor on free through movements of train traffic.
b. An additional tunnel should be planned in the next twenty years to provide for a
dedicated road tunnel and rail tunnel.
c. The main road through Whittier should be grade-separated to alleviate traffic issues
with increased train traffic and train lengths.
2) Do you anticipate any capacity issues arising within the next 20 years?
a. ARRC believes the Whittier Tunnel will present capacity issues at some point in time.
b. Increased train lengths will be required to move additional freight, which will cause
issues with road traffic in Whittier.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 11
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 3 of 3
3) Do you have any capital improvement projects planned for the port facility?
a. The Marginal Wharf, a thousand foot dock face, will be re-built in the next twenty years.
Safety
1) Have there been any accidents at the port facility in the recent past?
a. There have been occasional accidents due to weather, and other issues. However,
there have been no major incidents for several years.
2) Are there any safety concerns at the port (environmental, hazards to employees/users)?
a. Train operations, barge services, loading and unloading goods are all inherently
unsafe. ARRC and its partners and customers strive to have zero incidents. This is
not always possible.
Action Item:
None.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 12
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 1
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Adison Smith Name: Rich Wilson
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: Port of Anchorage
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907) 343-6201
Date: November 12, 2013 Time: 3:00pm
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: Port of Anchorage, Future Conditions
Discussion:
Projected Annual Vessel Calls
4) How many annual vessel calls does the POA have?
Rich stated that the POA experiences an average of 450 annual vessel calls.
5) How many annual vessel calls are anticipated in 2015, 2020, 2025, and 2030?
Rich stated that the POA is working on updating the business plan which will include
forecasted data such as future demand and supply of commodities. The business plan is
scheduled to be released in November, 2013.
Based on Alaska’s average population growth rate and the demand for goods, the POA
anticipates a 2-3% increase in population resulting in 459, 506, 557 and 615 in annual vessel
calls for 2015, 2020, 2025, and 2030.
Upcoming Projects
1) Can you discuss upcoming POA planned projects?
Rich referred me to the POA’s Capital Plan and stated that although the plan still needs to be
approved by the city, the projects listed are the POA’s high priority needs, up-to 2019. The
projects listed include the Port Expansion, Port Security, and Wharf Pile Enhancements.
Funding for these projects still need to be approved by the mayor and assembly.
The POA does not know project details for the future Port Expansion project at this time. Rich
referred me to the March 6-7 Mayor and Assembly Briefings Presentation which includes the
concept design study for the expansion project, an overview of the three concept plans, cost
and selection criteria for the concept plans, and attributes of the recommended option.
Rich explained that the POA currently has an RFP on the streets for Project Management
Services for the Port Expansion project. Once a firm is selected the POA will know more about
the Port Expansion project cost and schedule.
Action Item: None.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 13
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 1 of 2
AEA Team Member Other Party
Name: Adison Smith Name: Marc VanDongen
Organization: DOWL HKM Organization: Port MacKenzie
Study Area: Transportation Phone
Number: (907) 764-7414
Date: November 19, 2013 Time: 2:00pm
Meeting held by: X AEA Team Other Party
Others at meeting: None.
Subject: Port MacKenzie, Future Conditions
Discussion:
Projected Annual Vessel Calls
6) How many annual vessel calls does Port Mackenzie have?
Marc stated that Port MacKenzie experiences an average of 14 annual vessel calls.
7) How many annual vessel calls are anticipated in 2015, 2020, 2025, and 2030?
Marc stated that Port MacKenzie is working to complete a rail connection from the Port to the
existing rail belt. Upon completion, there will be a new demand for shipping natural resources.
The exported demand amount is anticipated to be approximately three million tons a year. As
a result, a dock expansion including a deep draft dock and a barge landing will be required to
meet the demand. The dock expansion will allow for an additional 33 vessel calls every five
years (one ship per week), up-to 2025.
Marc stated that until the rail connection and the dock expansion projects are complete, the
annual vessel calls will remain at 14.
Upcoming Projects
1) Can you discuss upcoming projects for Port MacKenzie?
Marc discussed the following upcoming projects:
• Rail Extension – The project includes 32 miles of rail with a one mile loop at the Port. The
project is broken out into six segments; four out of the six segments are complete. The total
cost for the project is estimated at approximately $171.5 million. The Port has received $171
million from the State of Alaska since 2008, and still needs $101.5 million to complete the
project. Port MacKenzie is planning to request the funding needed to complete the project
from the State of Alaska over the next three years. Marc anticipates the project will be
completed in 2017.
• Cathodic Protection – This project will help control the corrosion of the existing piles. Marc
stated that funding for this project ($2,250,000) is secured, and that the project will be
completed in 2014.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 14
MEETING RECORD
Record of Meeting Page 2 of 2
• Pile Sleeve Protection – This project will help control the corrosion of the existing piles. Marc
stated that design funding for this project ($250,000) is secured, and that the Port will request
construction funding from the State of Alaska in 2014.
• Point MacKenzie Road Paving – Marc stated that the Point MacKenzie road project is
complete with the exception of paving the last two miles approaching Don Young Road. The
funding for this portion of the project ($1.5-2 million) is secured. The project will go out to bid
during the spring of 2014, and completed summer of 2014. .
• Deep Draft Dock #2 Preliminary Engineering– Marc stated that Port MacKenzie is currently
working on preliminary drawings for the dock expansion project. The Port is using their own
funds to cover preliminary design costs. Additional funding for the design
completion/construction will be requested from the State of Alaska once the rail project is
completed in 2017.
2) What is Port MacKenzie’s niche?
Marc stated that Port MacKenzies niche is exporting natural resources. Marc explained that Port
MacKenzie is doing different things than the Port of Anchorage (POA). The POA is importing
containers with freight, whereas Port MacKenzie is exporting natural resources.
3) Why use Port MacKenzie vs. Port of Anchorage or Seward?
Marc stated that companies want to use Port MacKenzie over other Ports because it includes:
1. 14 square miles of uplands available to lease for storage
2. 60-feet of water at low tide - annual dredging is not required – low maintenance costs
3. A deep draft dock with plans to expand
4. Commercially owned property; there are no residential properties surrounding the Port
Action Item:
Obtain a copy of the business plan.
Part A - Appendix G - Page 15
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX H: COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SIZE, WEIGHT &
PERMIT REGULATIONS (17 AAC 25)
Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Commercial Vehicle Size, Weight & Permit Regulations
Comprehensive Comprehensive
Includes New Regulations Effective April 12, 2013
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Division of Measurement
Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement provides a reproduction of the regulations of 17
AAC 25 as a public courtesy. The Division cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of this
reproduction of 17 AAC 25. For the official published version of the regulations, please consult
the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC, Register 190).
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Division of Measurement Standards
& Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Suite 2, Building M
11900 Industry Way
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
Phone: 907-365-1210
Fax: 907-365-1220
Part A - Appendix H - Page 1
This publication was released by the State of Alaska, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities, Division of Measurement Standards and
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, produced at a cost of $4.15 per copy, for the
primary purpose of informing the public of the changes to the Commercial
Vehicle Size, Weight and Permit Regulations.
Part A - Appendix H - Page 2
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
1
Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Article
1. Commercial Motor Vehicles: Size and Weight. (17 AAC 25.010 - 17 AAC
25.110)
2. Commercial Motor Vehicles: Safety and Hazardous Materials. (17 AAC 25.200 -
17 AAC 25.250)
3. Oversize and Overweight Vehicles. (17 AAC 25.300 - 17 AAC 25.380)
4. Waivers. (17 AAC 25.800)
5. General Provisions. (17 AAC 25.900)
——————————
Article 1 Motor Vehicles: Size and Weight
Section
10. (Repealed).
11. Prohibited vehicles and loads.
12. Legal vehicle size.
13. Legal vehicle weight.
14. Allowable long combination vehicle length on certain routes.
15. Specialized equipment.
16. (Repealed).
17. Supplemental axles.
20. (Repealed).
30. (Repealed).
32. (Repealed).
35. (Repealed).
40. (Repealed).
50. (Repealed).
60. (Repealed).
62. (Repealed).
63. (Repealed).
65. (Repealed).
70. (Repealed).
80. (Repealed).
90. (Repealed).
100. Road closures and restrictions.
Part A - Appendix H - Page 3
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
2
105. (Repealed).
106. (Repealed).
107. (Repealed).
108. (Repealed).
109. (Repealed).
110. (Repealed).
119. Definitions for 17 AAC 25.011 - 17 AAC 25.119.
17 AAC 25.010. Prohibited Vehicles and Loads
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; am 3/22/81, Register 77; am
11/16/83, Register 88; am 9/1/84, Register 91; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.011. Prohibited Vehicles and Loads
Except under a permit issued under this chapter, or a traffic control plan approved, as part
of a construction contract, by the department within the limits of a highway construction
project, a vehicle, including load, that exceeds the size or weight limitations set out in this
chapter, 17 AAC 28, or 17 AAC 35 may not be driven or moved upon the state highway
system. A vehicle that is owned by the state and operated by a department employee
acting within the scope of departmental employment is not subject to the provisions of
this chapter.
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 12/31/2006, Register
180
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
17 AAC 25.012. Legal Vehicle Size
(a) The width of a vehicle, including load, may not exceed 102 inches. Equipment
may extend no more than three inches beyond the 102-inch width limitation on
each side of the vehicle if the equipment is attached to the vehicle. However, the
following items are not subject to the maximum width requirements of this
subsection:
Part A - Appendix H - Page 4
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
3
(1) rear view mirrors;
(2) turn signal lamps;
(3) handholds for entry into or egress from the cab;
(4) splash and spray suppressant devices;
(5) load-induced tire bulge;
(6) recreational vehicle awnings in the retracted position;
(7) manufacturer-installed appurtenances, including alternating-current (AC)
power outlets and exhaust fans.
(b) A vehicle, including load, may not exceed a height of 15 feet, except that a
vehicle operating between the Fox Weigh Station and Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton
and Elliott Highways may have a height, including load, of 17 feet.
(c) The following maximum lengths may not be exceeded on National Highway
System (NHS) routes listed in the department’s publication entitled State of
Alaska, National Highway System Maps, dated April 2006, and adopted by
reference:
(1) the length of a power vehicle may not exceed 45 feet;
(2) repealed 12/31/2006;
(3) the cargo-carrying length of a trailer may not exceed 53 feet;
(4) the overall length of a combination of vehicles, consisting of a truck and
one cargo-carrying vehicle or a truck tractor and two cargo-carrying
vehicles, may not exceed 75 feet; however, a combination of a truck
tractor and one cargo-carrying vehicle is not subject to an overall length
limit;
(5) long combination vehicles (LCVs) may not exceed the maximum lengths
set out in 17 AAC 25.014;
(6) a load or equipment may not overhang or extend more than:
(A) three feet beyond the front bumper of the vehicle; or
(B) four feet beyond the rear of the vehicle.
Part A - Appendix H - Page 5
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
4
(d) The following maximum lengths may not be exceeded on the state highway
system, other than routes described in (c) of this section:
(1) the length of a power vehicle may not exceed 45 feet;
(2) the cargo-carrying length of a semitrailer or trailer may not exceed 53 feet;
(3) the overall length of a combination of vehicles, consisting of a truck and
one cargo-carrying vehicle or a truck tractor and one or two cargo-
carrying vehicles, may not exceed 75 feet;
(4) a load or equipment may not overhang or extend more than:
(A) three feet beyond the front bumper of the vehicle; or
(B) four feet beyond the rear of the vehicle.
(e) Semitrailers in combination on all routes may not exceed 53 feet in length and
combinations may not have more than two cargo-carrying vehicles in the
combination.
(f) Vehicles within the limitations set out in (c) of this section may move to and from
routes specified in (c) of this section to access or return from terminals or
facilities for fuel, servicing, delivering or receiving cargo, or food and rest for the
vehicle operator. A vehicle must use the most direct interconnecting truck route
wherever possible when moving to or from the specified routes. Vehicle
movement off the state highway system is subject to local ordinance. A vehicle
moving to or from specified routes may not travel further than a five-mile
distance from these routes, except if using roads identified in 17 AAC
25.014(f)(1) - (7).
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 11/16/2004, Register
172; am 12/31/2006, Register 180; am 4/09/2009, Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register
196
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
Editor's note: A copy of the publication entitled State of Alaska, National Highway System
Maps, adopted by reference in 17 AAC 25.012, is available for inspection at the offices of the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Division of Measurement Standards and
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Huffman Business Park, Suite 2, Building M, 11900 Industry
Way, Anchorage, AK 99515-3512. A copy may also be obtained at
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/mapping/dataproducts/NHS_MapSet2006final.pdf.
Part A - Appendix H - Page 6
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
5
17 AAC 25.013. Legal Vehicle Weight
(a) Except as provided in 17 AAC 25.335, the weight of a vehicle or combination of
vehicles, including load and equipment, operated or moved on the state highway
system may not exceed a limit set out in this section. If more than one weight
limit applies, the most restrictive limitation will be used to determine the
maximum allowable weight, as follows:
(1) the weight on a tire may not exceed 600 pounds per linear inch of tire
width based upon the tire manufacturer’s rating of nominal tire width;
(2) repealed 04/12/2013
(3) repealed 04/12/2013
(4) except as provided in (5) of this subsection, for a vehicle or combinatin of
vehicles, including load and equipment, the weight on axles or axle groups
may not exceed, and the distance between axles may not be less than, the
following:
Weight
(Pounds)
Distance
Single Axle 20,000 8'1" Minimum spacing*
2-Axle Group 38,000 3'6" Minimum spacing
3-Axle Group 42,000 3'6" Minimum spacing
4-Axle Group 50,000 3'6" Minimum spacing
* Any axle spaced less than 8 feet and 1 inch from any other axle, measured between the
centers of the nearest axles, is considered as part of an axle group. In multi-axle groups,
all axles must carry at least 6,000 pounds if the axle group weight is more than 50 percent
of the legal group weight. Lift axles or variable suspension axles are allowed in the drive
axle group of the power vehicle, but may not be used for calculation of legal allowable
vehicle gross weight.
(5) if the combination is a truck-tractor and single semitrailer combination
where the length of the semitrailer is 48 feet or more, the weight on a
three-axle group on the semitrailer may not exceed, and the distance
between the axles may not be less than the following:
Weight (pounds)Distance
Part A - Appendix H - Page 7
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
6
42,000 3'6" minimum spacing
43,500 5' minimum spacing
45,000 6' minimum spacing
(6) the maximum gross vehicle weight for a vehicle or vehicle combination
may not exceed that weight determined from the following formulas:
(A) maximum gross vehicle weight for a vehicle with lift axles in the
drive axle group may not be greater than the weight determined
under the following formula:
LN
W = 500 [ -- + 12N + 36]
N - 1
Where:
W = the maximum gross vehicle weight to the nearest 500 pounds;
L = the distance in whole feet, measured between the centers of the extreme axles for the
vehicle or the vehicle combination; a measurement including a fractional portion of a foot
is stated as the next higher whole number; and
N = the number of axles on the vehicle or vehicle combination and does not include lift
axles in the drive axle group of a power vehicle;
(B) the maximum gross vehicle weight for a vehicle with no lift axles
in the drive axle groups may not be greater than the weight
determined under the following formula:
LN
W = 500 [ -- + 12N + 36] + 3,000
N - 1
Where:
W = the maximum gross vehicle weight to the nearest 500 pounds;
L = the distance in whole feet, measured between the centers of extreme axles for the
vehicle or vehicle combination; a measurement including a fractional portion of a foot is
stated as the next higher whole number; and
N = the number of axles on the vehicle or vehicle combination.
Part A - Appendix H - Page 8
ACC – Chapter 25 Operations, Wheeled Vehicles
Comprehensive – includes new regulations effective 04/12/2013
7
(b) In a combination of a power vehicle and two or more cargo-carrying vehicles
consisting of trailers or semitrailers, the heavier cargo-carrying vehicle must be
placed immediately behind the power vehicle when one cargo-carrying vehicle is
more than 5,000 pounds heavier than any other cargo-carrying vehicle in the
combination. The weight of the power vehicle and the first cargo-carrying vehicle
in a combination with two or more cargo-carrying vehicles may not exceed the
weight allowable in this section for a power vehicle and single cargo-carrying
vehicle with the same axle configuration and of equal length, calculated without
regard to the weight of the following cargo-carrying vehicles in the combination.
(c) The weight carried by individual axle groups before or after pintle hooks or other
connecting devices in vehicle combinations may not exceed the standards for axle
group weights set out in this section.
(d) Between October 1 and March 31, shifting of legal axle weights set out in (a)(2)
of this section is allowed for one, two, and three drive axle groupings on power
vehicles traveling on the Steese, Elliott, Dalton, and Richardson Highways
between North Pole and Prudhoe Bay, or between North Pole and MP 30 of the
Steese Highway. The shifted weight on these drive axle groupings may not
exceed 2,000 pounds per axle. The legal allowable gross weight on a vehicle or
combination of vehicles may not exceed the maximum weight as determined by
methods set out in this section. An overweight permit is not required for shifting
additional weight to the drive axle group during the period defined. Traction
weight shifting is not allowed for a power vehicle traveling under an overweight
permit. Vehicle combinations operating with traction-weight shifting on the
power vehicle will be allowed reasonable right of access to and from the Steese,
Elliott, and Dalton Highways, when traveling between Fairbanks and Prudhoe
Bay, to reach or return from terminals and facilities for food, fuel, and rest, if the
vehicle uses the most direct truck route whenever possible and moves no farther
than five miles from the most direct route between North Pole and Fox. All
movement within organized municipalities and boroughs is subject to local
ordinances in addition to the requirements of this chapter.
(e) Except when an emergency requires immediate action, if the department
determines that a highway may be damaged by a vehicle's weight, weight
restrictions may be imposed after appropriate notice has been given to the public.
When weight restrictions are imposed, they will be stated as a percentage of the
legal allowable axle weights and applied to the maximum axle loading specified
in this section. The weight on steering axles may not be restricted below 100
percent of the legal allowable axle weight. Unless approved by the department, a
permit issued under 17 AAC 25.320 allowing overweight vehicles does not satisfy
the requirements of this chapter in order to travel on weight-restricted highways
during the period when weight restrictions are imposed.
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(f) For purposes of this section, "pounds per inch of tire width" is determined by
dividing the sum of the tire width in inches for tires mounted on an axle group
into the weight carried on that axle group in pounds.
(g) A vehicle subject to the provisions of this section that uses an auxiliary power unit
or an idle reduction technology unit in order to promote reduction of fuel use and
emissions because of engine idling, may be allowed up to an additional 400
pounds total in power unit axle weights, gross vehicle weights, or bridge formula
weight limits. Certification of the weight of the auxiliary power unit must be
available to law enforcement officers if the vehicle is found in violation of
applicable weight laws. The additional weight allowed may not exceed 400
pounds or the weight certified, whichever is less. To be eligible for this
exception, the operator of the vehicle must be able to prove by
(1) written certification, the weight of the auxiliary power unit or idle
reduction technology unit; and
(2) demonstration or certification, that the auxiliary power unit or idle
reduction technology unit is fully functional at all times.
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 12/31/2006, Register
180; am 4/9/2009, Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register 196; am 04/12/2013, Register
206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
17 AAC 25.014. Allowable Long Combination Vehicle Length on
Certain Routes
(a) A long combination vehicle (LCV) with a cargo-carrying length that does not
exceed 95 feet, measured from the front of the first cargo-carrying vehicle to the
rear of the last cargo-carrying vehicle or load, including the connecting device,
may operate upon the routes listed below, if individual trailers or semi-trailers in
an LCV do not exceed 48 feet in cargo-carrying length, and if overall length does
not exceed 120 feet:
(1) the Sterling, Seward and Glenn Highways, Alaska Route 1 (AK-1), from
Homer to the junction with the Palmer-Wasilla Highway in Palmer;
(2) the Tok Cutoff, AK-1, from the junction with the Richardson Highway,
Alaska Route 4 (AK-4), in Gakona Junction to the junction with the
Alaska Highway, Alaska Route 2 (AK-2), in Tok;
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(3) the Alaska Highway, AK-2, from the Canadian border to the junction with
the Richardson Highway, AK-4, in Delta Junction;
(4) the Seward, Glenn, and Parks Highways, AK-1 and Alaska Route 3 (AK-
3), from the Potter Weigh Station in Anchorage to the junction with the
Parks Highway, AK-3, to the junction with the Richardson Highway, AK-
2, in Fairbanks via the Mitchell Expressway; for purposes of this
paragraph, the lead trailer in a truck tractor, two-trailer LCV may have a
cargo carrying length of 53 feet, if the total cargo carrying length,
including the connecting device, does not exceed 95 feet and if overall
length does not exceed 120 feet;
(5) the Richardson Highway, AK-4 and AK-2, from the Alaska Marine
Highway System ferry terminal in Valdez to the junction with the Mitchell
Expressway, AK-3, in Fairbanks;
(6) the Seward Highway, Alaska Route 9 (AK-9), from the junction with the
Sterling Highway, AK-1, to Seward.
(7) the Kenai Spur Highway, from the junction with the Sterling Highway,
AK-1, to Nikishka Dock.
(b) A long combination vehicle, consisting of a truck and one cargo-carrying vehicle
whose overall length does not exceed 90 feet may operate upon the:
(1) Seward and Glenn Highways, AK-1, from the Potter Weigh Station in
Anchorage to the junction with the Palmer-Wasilla Highway in Palmer;
(2) Parks Highway, AK-3, from the junction with the Glenn Highway, AK-1,
to the junction with the Richardson Highway, AK-2, in Fairbanks via the
Mitchell Expressway; and
(3) Richardson and Alaska Highways, AK-2, from the junction with Gaffney
Road in Fairbanks to Milepost 1412 of the Alaska Highway, near Delta
Junction.
(c) A long combination vehicle, consisting of a truck and one cargo-carrying vehicle,
a truck-tractor and one cargo-carrying vehicle, or a truck-tractor and two cargo-
carrying vehicles, whose overall length does not exceed 95 feet may operate upon
the:
(1) Haines Highway, Alaska Route 7 (AK-7), from the Alaska Marine
Highway System ferry terminal in Haines to the Canadian border;
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(2) Glenn Highway, AK-1, from the junction with the Palmer-Wasilla
Highway in Palmer to the junction with the Richardson Highway, AK-4,
in Glennallen;
(3) North Slope Haul Road between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay, consisting of
the:
(A) Richardson Highway, Steese Expressway, and Elliot Highway,
AK-2, from the junction with the Mitchell Expressway, AK-3, in
Fairbanks to the junction with the Dalton Highway, Alaska Route
11 (AK-11); and
(B) Dalton Highway, AK-11, from the junction with the Elliot
Highway, AK-2, to Prudhoe Bay; and
4) Klondike Highway, Alaska Route 98 (AK-98), from the Alaska Marine
Highway System ferry terminal in Skagway to the Canadian border.
(d) A long combination vehicle configured in a truck-tractor and a triple cargo-
carrying vehicle combination may operate only on the Glenn and Parks
Highways, AK-1 and AK-3, between Anchorage and Fairbanks during the period
from May 1 through September 30 of each year by permit issued under this
chapter, with notice provided by the applicant to municipalities along the route, if:
(1) each combination, including load, does not exceed 120 feet in overall
length;
(2) each individual vehicle in the combination does not exceed 28.5 feet in
length;
(3) the power vehicle engine power rating is not less than 400 horsepower;
and
(4) except on the steering axle, each axle has four mounted tires or wide-base
single tires.
(e) During movements, a long combination vehicle must:
(1) stop operations during inclement weather conditions; and
(2) display an "oversize" or "long load" sign at the rear of the vehicle
combination.
(f) A vehicle that meets the requirements of this section may move to or from routes
specified in (a) - (d) of this section to access or return from terminals or facilities
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for fuel, servicing, delivering or receiving cargo, or food and rest for the vehicle's
operator. A vehicle must use the most direct interconnecting truck route wherever
possible when moving to or from the specified routes. Vehicle movement off the
state highway system is subject to local ordinance. A vehicle moving to or from
specified routes may not travel further than a five-mile distance from these routes,
except if using the following roads:
(1) Johnson Road, from where it intersects the Richardson Highway, AK-2
near Salcha;
(2) Kalifornsky Beach Road;
(3) Bridge Access Road, connecting Kalifornsky Beach Road and the Kenai
Spur Road;
(4) Dayville Road;
(5) the Steese Highway, Alaska Route 6 (AK-6), from the junction with the
Elliot Highway, AK-2, in Fox to Milepost 30;
(6) the Palmer-Wasilla Highway extension, from the intersection with the
Parks Highway, AK-3, to the intersection with Knik-Goose Bay Road;
(7) Knik-Goose Bay Road, from the intersection with the Palmer-Wasilla
Highway extension to the intersection with Point MacKenzie Road;
(8) Point MacKenzie Road, from the intersection with Knik-Goose Bay Road
to the intersection with South Don Young Road;
(9) South Don Young Road, from the intersection with Point MacKenzie
Road to Port MacKenzie;
(10) a road other than one listed in (1) - (9) of this subsection, if the department
determines that the:
(A) road will accommodate the necessary movement;
(B) necessity for the use will exist for more than 30 days; and
(C) frequency of the transits makes the issuance of overlength vehicle
permits under this chapter impractical.
(g) A vehicle authorized to operate under this section must operate with its headlights
illuminated at all times.
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(h) Except as provided in this section, a long combination vehicle may not operate on
any route on the state highway system without a permit issued by the department.
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 11/16/2004, Register
172; am 12/31/2006, Register 180; am 4/9/2009, Register 190; am 04/12/2013, Register
206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
17 AAC 25.015. Specialized Equipment
(a) A rotating drum transit mix concrete truck with a booster axle or a lift axle or both
may operate on the state highway system for the movement of specialty
manufactured products or other loads if the gross weight of the vehicle and the
axle weights are not greater than the standards set out in 17 AAC 25.013. Weight
adjustment controls for the booster axle and the lift axle must be located outside
the driver's compartment and not within reach of the driver while the truck is in
motion. The up-and-down position control that controls the booster axle and the
lift axle must be a single control, and may be located in the cab of the vehicle.
The lift axle must be in the down position and engaged to carry a minimum of
6,000 pounds to be counted as a tridem axle group.
(b) A saddlemount combination with an overall length not exceeding 97 feet may
operate on the state highway system and may include one full mount in the
combination. The saddlemount combination must be in compliance with 23
C.F.R. 658.13, revised as of April 1, 2007 and adopted by reference.
(c) An automobile carrier may operate on the state highway system under the
requirements of 23 C.F.R. 658.13, revised as of April 1, 2009 and adopted by
reference.
(d) A boat transporter may operate on the state highway system under the
requirements of 23 C.F.R. 658.13, revised as of April 1, 2009 and adopted by
reference.
(e) A dry bulk tank products hauler may be used for the movement of products on the
state highway system. Weight shifting may occur, if the legal gross weight of the
vehicle is not exceeded and the weight shifted does not exceed 2,000 pounds per
axle.
(f) A jeep may be used if authorized in a permit issued under 17 AAC 25.320.
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History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 12/31/2006, Register
180; am 4/9/2009, Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register 196
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
17 AAC 25.016. Authorized Experimental Uses
Repealed.
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; repealed 10/7/2001, Register 160
17 AAC 25.017. Supplemental Axles
(a) Unless a vehicle is authorized to use supplemental axles under a permit issued
under 17 AAC 25.320, supplemental axles may be used on vehicles operating on
the state highway system only as provided in this section. Supplemental axles
must have a manufacturer's rating equal to the weight being carried on the axle,
but no less than 10,000 pounds on the axle.
(b) Supplemental axles may only be used on trailers and rotating drum transit mix
concrete trucks for legal gross vehicle weight calculations. The weight adjustment
controls for supplemental axles must be located outside the driver's compartment
and not within reach of the driver while the vehicle is in motion. A rotating drum
transit mix concrete truck with a lift axle must comply with 17 AAC 25.015(a).
The up-and-down position controls for liftable belly axles may be located in the
driver's compartment on bulk tank delivery vehicles, but these controls may only
be activated when entering or exiting delivery terminals, including service
stations. Adjustable air ride suspension systems may be used, if the tires are not
lifted off the roadway.
(c) Repealed 10/7/2001.
(d) Belly axles may be used on trailers and semitrailers operating on the state
highway system. A belly axle on vehicles first placed into service in this state
after June 30, 1990 must be self-steering. The department will use the vehicle
registration required by AS 28.10 as evidence of the date that the vehicle or trailer
was placed in service in this state.
(e) Repealed 10/7/2001.
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History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
Editor's note: The definition of "supplemental axle", formerly set out in 17 AAC 25.017(e), has
been relocated to 17 AAC 25.900.
17 AAC 25.020. Width of Vehicles
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; am 3/22/81, Register 77; am
6/19/81, Register 78; am 9/1/84, Register 91; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.030. Height and Length of Vehicles and Loads
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; am 11/16/83, Register 88; am
9/1/84, Register 91; am 1/18/86, Register 97; am 9/19/86, Register 99; am 4/11/90,
Register 114; am 7/13/91, Register 119; am 4/27/92, Register 122; am 8/23/92, Register
123; am 12/29/93, Register 128; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.032. Weight Distribution Combination Vehicles
Repealed.
History: Eff. 7/11/90, Register 115; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.035. Reasonable Access
Repealed.
History: Eff. 9/1/84, Register 91; am 4/11/90, Register 114; am 7/3/91, Register 119;
repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
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17 AAC 25.040. Confinement of Loads
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.050. Trailers and Towed Vehicles
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; repealed 10/7/2001, Register
160
17 AAC 25.060. Allowable Gross Weights
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; am 9/3/74, Register 51; am
11/19/84, Register 92; am 1/18/86, Register 97; am 9/10/86, Register 100; am 4/28/87,
Register 102; am 11/29/87, Register 104; am 4/11/90, Register 114; am 7/11/90, Register
115; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.062. Lift Axles
Repealed 11/29/87.
17 AAC 25.063. Supplemental Axles
Repealed.
History: Eff. 11/29/87, Register 104; am 12/4/89, Register 112; am 4/11/90, Register 114;
am 7/11/90, Register 115; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
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17 AAC 25.065. Specialty Vehicles
Repealed.
History: Eff. 1/18/86, Register 97; am 11/29/87, Register 104; am 7/11/90, Register 115;
am 7/3/91, Register 119; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.070. Enforcement
Repealed 11/16/83.
17 AAC 25.080. Permits for Excess Size and Weight
Repealed 3/22/81.
17 AAC 25.090. Requirements for Permits
Repealed 11/16/83.
17 AAC 25.100. Road Closures and Restrictions
(a) The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities may prohibit the
operation of vehicles upon any highway or may impose restrictions on any aspect
of vehicle operation on any highway whenever the highway, in the judgment of
the commissioner, may be seriously damaged or destroyed by such operation or
whenever it is deemed necessary by the commissioner in the interests of safety to
the traveling public. The restrictions shall be effective after due notice has been
given to the public except in an emergency requiring immediate action.
(b) Except for steering axles, whenever weight restrictions imposed by the
commissioner or the commissioner's representative are stated as a percentage of
legal allowable weights, the percentage shall be applied to the maximum
allowable axle loading of 17 AAC 25.013(a)(3) – (5).
(c) Repealed 8/13/95.
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History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; am 9/3/74, Register 51; am
8/13/95, Register 135; am 12/30/2010, Register 196
Authority: AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.100, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030
Editor's note: As of Register 77, the reference to the Department of Highways has been
corrected to refer to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
17 AAC 25.105. Specially Designated Highways
Repealed.
History: Eff. 9/1/84, Register 91; am 4/11/90, Register 114; repealed 8/13/95, Register
135
17 AAC 25.106. Experimental Uses of the State Highway System
Repealed.
History: Eff. 7/11/90, Register 115; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.107. Overlength Permits on Certain Routes
Repealed.
History: Eff. 1/18/86, Register 97; am 4/11/90, Register 114; repealed 8/13/95, Register
135
17 AAC 25.108. Operating Requirements for Three Cargo-Carrying
Units
Repealed.
History: Eff. 4/27/92, Register 122; am 8/23/92, Register 123; repealed 8/13/95, Register
135
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17 AAC 25.109. Operating Requirements and Specially Designated
Routes for Articulated Buses
Repealed.
History: Eff. 7/3/91, Register 119; repealed 12/29/93, Register 128
17 AAC 25.110. Definitions
Repealed.
History: Eff. 6/25/69, Register 30; am 9/3/72, Register 43; am 6/19/81, Register 78; am
11/16/83, Register 88; am 9/1/84, Register 91; am 1/18/86, Register 97; am 11/29/87,
Register 104; am 7/31/91, Register 119; am 4/27/92, Register 122; am 8/23/92, Register
123; repealed 8/13/95, Register 135
17 AAC 25.119. Definitions for 17 AAC 25.011 - 17 AAC 25.119
In 17 AAC 25.011 - 17 AAC 25.119, unless the context requires otherwise, "equipment"
means air conditioning units, heating or cooling units, air compressors, winches,
bumpers, flexible fender extensions, bolsters, log bunks, binder chains, clearance lights,
rub rails, rock guards, mud flaps, pin pockets, door handles, steps, tire chain hangers,
backup lights, forks or fork lifting devices, front mounted animal control devices,
hydraulic lift gates, headache racks, or mechanical fastening devices.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
——————————
Article 2 Commercial Motor Vehicles: Safety and Hazardous
Materials
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Section
200. Transportation of hazardous materials, hazardous substances, or hazardous waste.
210. Safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.
220. Hours of service.
230. Commercial motor vehicle inspections.
240. Unsafe or defectively equipped commercial motor vehicles.
250. Definitions for 17 AAC 25.200 - 17 AAC 25.250.
17 AAC 25.200. Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Hazardous
Substances, or Hazardous Waste
(a) A person driving a commercial motor vehicle, or a company whose business
involves the operation of a commercial motor vehicle, upon a highway or
vehicular way or area, shall comply with the transportation of hazardous
materials, hazardous substances, or hazardous waste regulations adopted by the
United States Department of Transportation and contained in the following
provisions, as revised as of October 1, 2011 and adopted by reference, except as
otherwise provided in (b) of this section:
(1) 49 C.F.R. 105.5 (Definitions for 49 C.F.R. Parts 105 - 110);
(2) 49 C.F.R. Part 107 (Hazardous Materials Program Procedures);
(3) 49 C.F.R. Part 171 (General Information, Regulations, and Definitions);
(4) 49 C.F.R. Part 172 (Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions,
Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information,
and Training Requirements);
(5) 49 C.F.R. Part 173 (Shippers--General Requirements for Shipments and
Packaging);
(6) 49 C.F.R. Part 177 (Carriage by Public Highway);
(7) 49 C.F.R. Part 178 (Specifications for Packagings);
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(8) 49 C.F.R. Part 180 (Continuing Qualification and Maintenance of
Packagings).
(b) The federal regulations in 49 C.F.R. that are adopted by reference in (a) of this
section are revised as follows:
(1) repealed 04/12/2013
(2) repealed 04/12/2013
(3) repealed 12/31/2006;
(4) repealed 12/31/2006;
(5) repealed 04/12/2013
(6) 49 C.F.R. 171.15(a) is revised to specify that the required notice shall also
be given to the division;
(7) 49 C.F.R. 171.16(b) is revised to specify that the required notice shall also
be given to the division;
(8) repealed 04/12/2013
(9) repealed 04/12/2013
(c) A person who intends to transport a hazardous material by motor vehicle
containing explosives in Class 1, Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, as defined in 49 C.F.R.
173.50 and 173.53, on a highway or vehicular way or area shall notify the
division of the intent to transport the material at least 24 hours in advance of
transporting the material. Carriers operating under 49 C.F.R. 385.403 must notify
the division of the exact date and the approximate time that the material will be
transported, the exact route by which the material will be transported, the class
and quantity of the material to be transported, and the telephone number of the
person who is responsible for the transportation of the material. Hazardous
materials listed in Table 1 of 49 C.F.R. 172.504 must be transported on the date
and by the route identified in the notice required under this subsection.
Notwithstanding 17 AAC 25.800, the division may waive the 24-hour notice
requirement.
(d) If the division concludes, after reviewing a notice of intent to transport under (c)
of this section, that the planned transportation of a hazardous material listed in
Table 1 of 49 C.F.R. 172.504 presents a danger to the public health, safety, or
welfare, the division shall either deny permission to transport the material or
require the material to be transported on an alternative date or by an alternative
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route. A person may not transport a hazardous material listed in Table 1 of 49
C.F.R. 172.504, if the division denies permission to transport. If the division
designates an alternative date or route under this subsection, hazardous materials
listed in Table 1 of 49 C.F.R. 172.504 must be transported on the date and by the
route designated by the division.
(e) A motor carrier shall immediately contact the department if at any time the motor
carrier suspects the motor carrier's shipment of a hazardous material listed in 49
C.F.R. 385.403 is lost, stolen, or otherwise unaccounted for.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172; am 12/31/2006, Register 180; am 4/9/2009,
Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register 196; am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.310, AS
19.10.340, AS 19.10.370, AS 19.10.399
Editor's note: The address and telephone number for giving the notice required under 17 AAC
25.200(b)(6) - (7), (c), or (e) is State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, 11900
Industry Way, Building M, Anchorage, AK 99515-3567; telephone: (907) 365-1210.
17 AAC 25.210. Safe Operation of Commercial Motor Vehicles
(a) A person driving a commercial motor vehicle, or a company whose business
involves the operation of a commercial motor vehicle, upon a highway or
vehicular way or area, shall comply with the regulations relating to the
management, maintenance, operation, or driving of commercial motor vehicles,
adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and contained in the
following provisions, as revised as of October 1, 2011 and adopted by reference,
except as otherwise provided in (b) of this section:
(1) 49 C.F.R. Part 381 (Waivers, Exemptions, and Pilot Programs);
(2) 49 C.F.R. Part 385 (Safety Fitness Procedures);
(3) 49 C.F.R. Part 387 (Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for
Motor Carriers);
(4) 49 C.F.R. Part 390 (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations; General);
(5) 49 C.F.R. Part 391 (Qualifications of Drivers and Longer Combination
Vehicle (LCV) Driver Instructors);
(6) 49 C.F.R. Part 392 (Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles);
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(7) 49 C.F.R. Part 393 (Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation);
(8) 49 C.F.R. Part 396 (Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance);
(9) 49 C.F.R. Part 397 (Transportation of Hazardous Materials; Driving and
Parking Rules);
(10) 49 C.F.R. Part 399 (Employee Safety and Health Standards).
(b) The federal regulations in 49 C.F.R. that are adopted by reference in (a) of this
section are revised as follows:
(1) the lead-in language of 49 C.F.R. 387.9 is revised to read: "Intrastate
carriers that operate only in this state and that engage in intrastate
carriage only shall meet the minimum levels of financial responsibility set
out in AS 19.10.300, except that an intrastate carrier described in item (2)
from the following schedule of limits shall meet the minimum level of
financial responsibility set out in that schedule:";
(2) repealed 04/12/2013
(3) repealed 04/12/2013
(4) repealed 04/12/2013
(5) repealed 04/12/2013
(6) repealed 04/12/2013
(7) repealed 04/12/2013
(8) 49 C.F.R. 393.3 is revised to read: "Nothing contained in 49 C.F.R. Parts
350 – 399 or another provision of law prohibits the use of additional
equipment and accessories that are not inconsistent with or prohibited by
49 C.F.R. Parts 350 - 399 or another provision of law, unless the
equipment and accessories decrease the safety of operation of the motor
vehicle on which they are used.";
(9) 49 C.F.R. 393.60(e) is revised to read: “Antennas, transponders, and
similar devices may be mounted more than 152 mm (6 inches) below the
upper edge of the windshield. These devices must be located outside the
area swept by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver's sight lines to
the road and highway signs and signals.”;
(10) in 49 C.F.R. 393.90, for buses engaged in intrastate commerce, "the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations" is revised to
read "state regulations";
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(11) 49 C.F.R. 396.9(a) is revised to read: "An enforcement officer may enter
upon and perform inspections of motor carriers' vehicles in operation.";
(12) 49 C.F.R. 396.9(b) is revised to read: "The Driver/Vehicle Inspection
Report form or another division-approved form shall be used to record the
results of a motor vehicle inspection conducted by an enforcement
officer.";
(13) repealed 04/12/2013
(14) repealed 04/12/2013
(15) repealed 04/12/2013
(c) An enforcement officer may request a person driving a commercial motor vehicle
that is subject to 49 C.F.R. 387.9, adopted by reference in (a) of this section as
revised in (b)(1) of this section, to provide proof of financial responsibility. If the
person driving the commercial motor vehicle fails to provide proof of financial
responsibility, the enforcement officer may order that movement of a vehicle be
stopped under 17 AAC 25.350.
(d) A motor carrier that conducts operations in intrastate commerce, and only in
intrastate commerce, shall file a motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-
150) with the FMCSA and receive an intrastate USDOT indentification before the
motor carrier begins operations. On each self-propelled commercial motor
vehicle, as defined in 49 C.F.R. 390.5, adopted by reference in (a) of this section,
the motor carrier shall display the identification number, along with the additional
information required by 49 C.F.R. 390.21, adopted by reference in (a) of this
section.
(e) For a motor carrier that previously filed a motor carrier identification report
required under (d) of this section, the motor carrier shall file an updated motor
carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) with the FMCSA every 12 months.
(f) Only the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier may be used on a
motor carrier identification report required under (d) or (e) of this section.
(g) A motor carrier required under (d) or (e) of this section to file a motor carrier
identification report shall file that report with the FMCSA electronically, or with
the division's commercial vehicle customer service center in person, by facsimile
transmission, or by mail.
(h) For purposes of (d) and (e) of this section, actual receipt occurs if the division's
commercial vehicle customer service center receives a complete motor carrier
identification report, on the required form (Form MCS-150-AK), during the
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center's regular hours of operation. If the date on which the report is due falls on a
Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the report may be filed the next working day.
(i) An enforcement officer may issue a citation for a violation under AS
45.75.380(a)(12) to a motor carrier that fails to file a motor carrier identification
report required under (d) or (e) of this section or furnishes misleading information
or makes false statements on that report.
(j) A person operating a commercial motor vehicle is exempt from the requirements
of this section while engaged in intrastate commerce if the person
(1) holds a valid commercial fishing license issued under AS 16.05.480, sport
fishing operator license issued under AS 16.40.260, sport fising guide
license issued under AS 16.40.270, or permit issued under AS 16.43.140;
(2) is operating the vehicle on any roadway in the state, other than a roadway
within the Municipality of Anchorage or the City of Fairbanks;
(3) is operating the motor vehicle as part of the person’s commercial fishing
operations;
(4) is operating a motor vehicle for which the gross vehicle weight, gross
vehicle weight rating, gross combined weight, or gross combined weight
rating does not equal or exceed 26,001 pounds; and
(5) is not transporting hazardous materials for which a placard is required
under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, adopted by reference in 17 AAC 25.200(a), or
operating a vehicle designed or used to transport 16 or more individuals,
including the driver.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172; am 12/31/2006, Register 180; am 4/9/2009,
Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register 196; am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.310, AS
19.10.340, AS 19.10.370
Editor's note: The address for filing, in person or by mail, a motor carrier identification report
required under 17 AAC 25.210(d) - (h) is State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities, Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement,
Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center, 11900 Industry Way, Building M, Anchorage, AK
99515. The facsimile number for filing a motor carrier identification report is (866) 345-2641, toll-
free for filers within the state, 365-1221 for filers within the Anchorage area, or (907) 365-1221 for
filers outside the state. The Internet site for electronic filing with the FMCSA is
www.fmcsa.dot.gov. The motor carrier identification report form (MCS-150) is available from the
Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center at that address, or can be requested by calling
(800) 478-7636 toll-free for callers within the state, 365-1200 for callers within the Anchorage
area, or (907) 365-1200 for callers outside the state. The form may also be down-loaded from
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www.fmcsa.dot.gov, and is also available on the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities website, at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/mscve.
17 AAC 25.220. Hours of Service
(a) A person driving a commercial motor vehicle, or a company whose business
involves the operation of a commercial motor vehicle, upon a highway or
vehicular way or area, shall comply with the regulations relating to the
management, operation, or driving of commercial motor vehicles, adopted by the
United States Department of Transportation and contained in the following
provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 395 (hours of service of drivers), as revised as of
October 1, 2011 and adopted by reference, except as provided in (b) of this
section:
(1) 49 C.F.R. 395.1 (Scope of Rules in This Part);
(2) 49 C.F.R. 395.2 (Definitions);
(3) 49 C.F.R. 395.8 (Driver's Record of Duty Status);
(4) 49 C.F.R. 395.13 (Drivers Declared Out of Service);
(5) 49 C.F.R. 395.15 (Automatic On-board Recording Devices).
(b) The federal regulations in 49 C.F.R. that are adopted by reference in (a) of this
section are revised as follows:
(1) repealed 04/12/2013
(2) 49 C.F.R. 395.13(a) is revised to read: "An enforcement officer may
declare a driver out of service and notify the motor carrier of the
declaration, upon finding at the time and place of examination that the
driver has violated the out of service criteria set out in 49 C.F.R.
395.13(b).";
(3) 49 C.F.R. 395.13(c)(2) is revised to read: "A motor carrier shall complete
the carrier certification portion of State of Alaska Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement Driver/Vehicle Inspection Report form and deliver the copy
of the form either personally or by mail to the division within 15 working
days following the date of examination. If the motor carrier mails the
form, delivery is considered made on the day it is postmarked.";
(4) repealed 04/12/2013
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(c) A person operating a commercial motor vehicle is exempt from the requirements
of this section while engaged in intrastate commerce if the person
(1) holds a valid commercial fishing license issued under AS 16.05.480, sport
fishing operator license issued under AS 16.40.260, sport fishing guide
license issued under AS 16.40.270, or permit issued under AS 16.43.140;
(2) is operating the vehicle on any roadway in the state, other than a roadway
within the Municipality of Anchorage or the City of Fairbanks;
3) is operating the motor vehicle as part of the person’s commercial fishing
operations;
4) is operating a motor vehicle for which the gross vehicle weight, gross
vehicle weight rating, gross combined weight, or gross combined weight
rating does not equal or exceed 26,001 pounds; and
5) is not transporting hazardous materials for which a placard is required
under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, adopted by reference in 17 AAC 25.200(a), or
operating a vehicle designed or used to transport 16 or more individuals,
including the driver.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172; am 12/31/2006, Register 180; am 4/9/2009,
Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register 196, am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.370
Editor's note: The address for submitting the certification of compliance portion of the State of
Alaska Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Driver/Vehicle Inspection Report form, as required
under 17 AAC 25.220 is State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities,
Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, 11900 Industry Way,
Building M, Anchorage, Alaska 99515-3567.
17 AAC 25.230. Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections
(a) An enforcement officer may:
(1) require the operator of a commercial motor vehicle to stop the motor
vehicle and submit to commercial vehicle safety inspections and tests;
(2) inspect and test all components of a commercial motor vehicle, including
the interior of the cab, the inside of cargo compartments, and all exterior
equipment;
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(3) remove and reapply cargo compartment sealing devices; and
(4) enter upon, inspect, and examine all land, buildings, and equipment of a
motor carrier, and inspect and copy all accounts, books, records,
memoranda, correspondence, and other documents of that carrier.
(b) At the request of an enforcement officer, a motor carrier and other person subject
to 17 AAC 25.200 - 17 AAC 25.250 shall submit all accounts, books, records,
memoranda, correspondence, and other documents for inspection and copying,
and shall make all lands, buildings, and equipment available for examination and
inspection.
(c) An enforcement officer shall accept an inspection conducted in another state to
the same extent that that person would accept an inspection in this state if the:
(1) inspection conducted in the other state was performed in accordance with
standards equivalent to those applied in this state; and
(2) operator of the commercial motor vehicle provides evidence satisfactory
to the enforcement officer that the inspection was performed in accordance
with (1) of this subsection.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.370
17 AAC 25.240. Unsafe or Defectively Equipped Commercial Motor
Vehicles
(a) An enforcement officer may issue a citation to the driver or owner of a
commercial motor vehicle that is not in safe mechanical condition or properly
equipped as required in AS 28 or in 17 AAC 25.200 - 17 AAC 25.250. A citation
issued under this section must specify the section of AS 28 or 17 AAC 25.200 -
17 AAC 25.250 that has been violated and the repair or adjustment to be made,
and must require the driver or owner to appear in court after a period of at least
five days, holidays and weekends excluded, from the date of the violation.
(b) The citation issued under (a) of this section requires the driver or owner of the
commercial motor vehicle specified in the citation to repair the commercial motor
vehicle so that it is in safe condition and its equipment is in proper repair and
adjustment. Except as provided in (c) of this section, the citation also requires the
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owner or driver to secure a certificate of inspection and approval before any
further driving or movement on a highway or vehicular way or area.
(c) A person may not drive or move a commercial motor vehicle after being directed
under this section to have it repaired or adjusted, except as may be necessary to
return the commercial motor vehicle to the residence or place of business of the
owner or driver of the commercial motor vehicle or to a garage, until the
commercial motor vehicle and its equipment have been repaired or adjusted as
required by the citation. If repair or adjustment of a commercial motor vehicle or
its equipment is found necessary upon inspection, the owner or driver of the
commercial motor vehicle may obtain the repair or adjustment at a place of that
person's choosing, within a 100-mile radius of the place where the citation issued
under (a) of this section was issued, or otherwise at the nearest place of repair.
(d) If a commercial motor vehicle is, in the reasonable judgment of the person issuing
the citation, in a condition that further driving or movement would be hazardous,
the person issuing the citation may require that the commercial motor vehicle not
be driven or moved under its own power, or that it be driven to the nearest garage
or other place of safety. This section does not preclude the impounding of a
commercial motor vehicle under AS 19.10.375 or AS 28.05.091.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.310, AS
19.10.340, AS 19.10.370, AS 19.10.399, AS 45.75.131
17 AAC 25.250. Definitions for 17 AAC 25.200 - 17 AAC 25.250
In 17 AAC 25.200 - 17 AAC 25.250, unless the context requires otherwise,
(1) "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning given in AS 19.10.399;
(2) "vehicular way or area" has the meaning given in AS 19.10.399;
(3) "working day" means a day other than Saturday, Sunday, or a state
holiday.
History: Eff. 11/16/2004, Register 172
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.10.310, AS
19.10.340, AS 19.10.370, AS 19.10.399
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——————————
Article 3 Oversize and Overweight Vehicles
Section
310. Weigh stations and traffic stops.
320. Permits for oversize or overweight vehicles.
330. Applications for permits.
335. Weighing allowance.
340. Enforcement.
350. Stop orders.
360. Offloading of vehicles.
370. Revocation of permits.
375. Appeals.
380. Oversize and overweight vehicle permit fees.
17 AAC 25.310. Weigh Stations and Traffic Stops
(a) A commercial motor vehicle must stop for weighing and vehicle inspection where
an official highway sign indicates that a weigh station is in operation or at the
direction of an enforcement officer.
(b) In this section,
(1) "commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle of more than 10,000
pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight
rating (GCWR) used in commerce;
(2) "gross combination weight rating" has the meaning given that term in AS
19.10.399;
(3) "gross vehicle weight rating" has the meaning given that term in AS
19.10.399.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 11/16/2004, Register 172
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
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17 AAC 25.320. Permits for Oversize or Overweight Vehicles
(a) The department will issue a permit authorizing the movement of a vehicle or load
of a size or weight exceeding the limitations specified in this chapter if the
department determines that:
(1) the overweight vehicle or load is a non-divisible vehicle or load; or
(2) each of the following requirements is met:
(A) the state's best interests are served by the permit;
(B) the usefulness of the highways traveled is not diminished;
(C) the safety of other users is not compromised;
(D) the traveling public will not be unreasonably inconvenienced.
(b) As it considers necessary to assure that the requirements listed in (a)(2)(A) - (D)
of this section are met, the department will, as conditions for a permit issued
under (a)(1) or (2) of this section, establish time limitations for movement,
designate routes, limit the number of trips, or otherwise restrict the movement of
oversize or overweight vehicles and loads. The movement of permitted oversize
or overweight vehicles or loads must comply with the requirements for towing
vehicles, pilot cars, warning signs and lights, hours of darkness, and other safety
considerations specified in the department’s Administrative Permit Manual:
Oversize and Overweight Permits, revised as of March 2012, and adopted by
reference.
(c) Subject to its determination that the requirements listed in (a)(2)(A) - (D) of this
section are met, the department will, in a permit issued under (a)(1) or (a)(2) of
this section, authorize movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle or load
over an extended period of up to one year. However, in a permit issued under
(a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section, the department will not authorize movement over
an extended period for any of the following vehicles:
(1) vehicles or loads over 10 feet 6 inches wide under 17 AAC 25.012(a);
(2) vehicles or loads over 15 feet high, other than vehicles or loads exempt
under 17 AAC 25.012(b)(3);
(3) vehicles or loads over 17 feet high operating between the Fox Weigh
Station and Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton and Elliott Highways;
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(4) vehicles or loads that exceed legal length under this chapter;
(5) vehicles or loads with a rear overhang that exceeds 10 feet;
(6) vehicles or loads that exceed 125 percent of legal weight under this
chapter.
(d) Issuance of a permit does not relieve the vehicle operating under the permit from
the requirement of 17 AAC 25.310.
(e) If a vehicle operating under a permit breaks down to a degree that roadside repairs
are impractical or impossible, a similar vehicle may be substituted for the vehicle
described in the permit if the substitute vehicle is validly registered under AS
28.10 and if the substitution does not materially alter the conditions listed on the
original application for the permit. The driver, owner, or lessee shall report a
substitution at the nearest weigh station along the route of travel or to the
division's commercial vehicle customer service center.
(f) The department may deny a permit to a person who has incurred three or more
violations under AS 45.75.380(a)(10) or (11) during the 90-day period
immediately preceding the date the person submits the permit application.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 11/16/2004, Register 172; am 12/31/2006,
Register 180; am 12/30/2010, Register 196, am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
Editor's note: Copies of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ Administrative
Permit Manual: Oversize and Overweight Permits, adopted by reference in 17 AAC 25.320, are
available for inspection at the offices of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities,
Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, 11900 Industry Way,
Building M, Anchorage, Alaska 99515.
The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Division of Measurement Standards and
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center is located at
11900 Industry Way, Building M, Anchorage, Alaska, telephone: (800) 478-7636 toll-free for
callers within the state and outside the Anchorage area; 365-1200 for callers within the
Anchorage area; (907) 365-1200 for callers outside the state.
17 AAC 25.330. Applications for Permits
(a) An application for a permit must specifically describe the vehicle and the load to
be moved, the origin, destination, proposed route, date and times of movement,
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and other items pertinent to the operation of the vehicle under the permit and
requested on the application form provided by the division. The application must
describe the characteristics of the vehicle or load that create the necessity for the
permit and, if the applicant believes that the vehicle or load is a non-divisible
vehicle or load, an explanation of the reasons for this belief.
(b) An application for a permit is a certification by the applicant that the information
on the application is correct, that the applicant is a duly authorized representative
of the owner or lessee of the vehicle, and that the vehicle driver, owner, and lessee
will comply with the conditions and restrictions indicated in the permit.
(c) As a condition for issuance of a permit, the driver, owner, and lessee of the
vehicle for which the permit was issued shall agree to indemnify and hold the
state and its officers, agents, and employees harmless from suit, damages, and
other claims arising as a result of the movement of the vehicle or load under the
permit. If the department determines it to be in the state's best interest, the
department will require the posting of a surety bond or other suitable instrument,
conditioned upon the satisfaction of liability for injury to persons or damage to
property arising as a result of the movement of the vehicle or load under the
permit.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
Editor's note: As of Register 162 (July 2002), the regulations attorney made a technical revision
under AS 44.62.125 (b)(6), to 17 AAC 25.330(c).
17 AAC 25.335. Weighing Allowance
(a) The department will weigh vehicles in their as-found condition and will grant
weight allowances, as described in this section, to the weight limits set out in 17
AAC 25.013. If the as-found condition exceeds the allowances described in this
section, the allowance weights will be included in the fine calculations and not
subtracted from the violation. An additional allowance of up to 400 pounds will
be added to a power unit’s axle weights or the allowable gross vehicle weights for
trucks or truck tractors equipped with an auxiliary power unit or idle reduction
unit if the requirements of 17 AAC 25.013(g) are met.
(b) The department will observe the following procedures if enforcing the gross
weight requirements in 17 AAC 25.013:
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(1) if the gross weight of the vehicle and load is over the amount allowed in
17 AAC 25.013 and (3) of this subsection by no more than 1,000 pounds,
a written violation will be noted on the inspection form, and the vehicle
will be allowed to proceed;
(2) if the gross weight is over the amount allowed in 17 AAC 25.013 and (3)
of this subsection by more than 1,000 pounds, the driver of the vehicle
will be issued a citation for the violation and be directed to a location to
unload the excess weight from the vehicle;
(3) from October 1 through April 30 of each year, in addition to the amount
allowed in 17 AAC 25.013, an additional 1,500 pound allowance will be
granted for snow and ice build-up, if evidence of that build-up exists; this
allowance is the maximum allowance regardless of the make-up of the
vehicle combination.
(c) The following procedures will be observed while enforcing the axle group weight
requirements set out in 17 AAC 25.013:
(1) if the weight of an axle group on a vehicle is over the amount allowed in
17 AAC 25.013 by no more than 500 pounds,
(A) an oral warning will be given or a written violation will be noted
on the inspection form; and
(B) the vehicle will be allowed to proceed;
(2) if the weight of an axle group on a vehicle is over the amount allowed in
17 AAC 25.013 by more than 500 pounds, but no more than 1,000 pounds,
a written violation will be noted on the inspection form, and the vehicle
will be allowed to proceed;
(3) if the weight of an axle group on a vehicle is over the amount allowed in
17 AAC 25.013 by more than 1,000 pounds, but no more than 2,000
pounds, and can be corrected at the weigh station by shifting the load, a
written violation will be noted on the inspection form, the load must be
corrected by shifting, and the vehicle will be allowed to proceed;
(4) if the weight of an axle group on a vehicle is over the amount allowed in
17 AAC 25.013 by more than 1,000 pounds, but no more than 2,000
pounds, and cannot be corrected at the weigh station by shifting the load,
the driver of the vehicle will be issued a citation for the violation and be
directed to a location to unload the excess weight from the vehicle;
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(5) if the weight of an axle group on a vehicle is over the amount allowed in
17 AAC 25.013 by more than 2,000 pounds, the driver of the vehicle will
be issued a citation for the violation and be directed to a location to unload
the excess weight from the vehicle; however, if the weight of that axle
group is over the legally allowed amount by more than 125 percent of the
legally allowed amount and cannot be corrected by shifting the load, the
vehicle will be parked at the weigh station or enforcement site until the
vehicle's weight can be reduced to within the amount allowed in 17 AAC
25.013 or in a permit issued under 17 AAC 25.320.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 4/9/2009, Register 190; am 12/30/2010,
Register 196
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050, AS 45.75.131
17 AAC 25.340. Enforcement
(a) If an enforcement officer has reason to believe that a vehicle or load is oversize, is
overweight, violates 17 AAC 25.210, or violates a requirement adopted by
reference in 17 AAC 25.210, the enforcement officer may require the driver to
stop for inspection or for weighing by means of portable scales or at the nearest
weigh station.
(b) A driver of a vehicle may not refuse to stop and submit the vehicle and load to
weighing or inspection.
(c) If the movement of a vehicle or load is authorized by a permit issued under 17
AAC 25.320, upon request by an enforcement officer, the driver shall produce the
permit for inspection.
(d) A permit that has been altered is void upon the alteration.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 12/30/2010, Register 196
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050, AS 45.75.131
17 AAC 25.350. Stop Orders
An enforcement officer may order that movement of a vehicle be stopped, if that vehicle
violates the safety, size, weight, or load limitations of this chapter or the terms of an
oversize or overweight permit issued under 17 AAC 25.320, and if the enforcement
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officer considers stopping the vehicle's movement necessary to protect the public safety
or the highway and its apparatus. If ordered to stop its movement, the driver of the
vehicle shall move the vehicle to a location specified by the enforcement officer and
arrange to bring the vehicle into compliance with this chapter or the permit within 72
hours. Vehicles abandoned on a highway right-of-way or other public property in excess
of 72 hours may be removed at the owner's or lessee's expense.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 4/9/2009, Register 190
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030
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17 AAC 25.360. Offloading of Vehicles
An enforcement officer may order the removal of a portion of a load if the officer
determines that the size or weight of a vehicle or load violates the size, weight, or load
limitations of this chapter or the terms of an oversize or overweight permit issued under
17 AAC 25.320 and if the enforcement officer considers removal necessary to protect the
public safety or the highway and its apparatus. If ordered to remove a portion of a load,
the driver of the vehicle shall move the vehicle to the location specified by the
enforcement officer and remove the portion of the load. The vehicle and the load must
not interfere with the movement of traffic and must be removed from the highway right-
of-way or other public property within 72 hours. The owner or lessee of the vehicle shall
bear the expense of unloading and removing the excess load. Loads abandoned on a
highway right-of-way or other public property in excess of 72 hours will be removed at
the owner's or lessee's expense.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030
17 AAC 25.370. Revocation of Permits
The department may revoke a permit based upon a violation of the terms and conditions
of its issuance or the alteration of a permit without the department's consent, or for a
violation of this chapter.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030
17 AAC 25.375. Appeals
(a) To appeal from a denial under 17 AAC 25.320, from an order under 17 AAC
25.350 or 17 AAC 25.360, or from a permit revocation under 17 AAC 25.370, an
aggrieved person must make a written appeal to the division director. Any appeal
must be received by the division director not later than seven days after the date
of the denial, order, or revocation. The written appeal must set out the grounds for
the appeal and any argument in support of the appeal. A denial, an order, or
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revocation from which an appeal is made remains in effect until a final decision is
issued under (b)(5) or (c) of this section.
(b) As the division director considers necessary to resolve disputed questions of fact,
the division director shall, within 10 days after receiving an appeal, hold a hearing
in substantial accordance with the following procedures:
(1) the division director may designate an employee of the department to
conduct the hearing, if the designated employee did not take part in the
original order or revocation;
(2) the department will provide at least five days' notice of the time and place
of the hearing to the appellant;
(3) written statements may be submitted;
(4) the hearing will be recorded;
(5) within 10 days after the hearing, the division director shall issue a written
decision affirming, modifying, or reversing the original order or
revocation.
(c) If the division director does not consider a hearing to be necessary under (b) of
this section, the division director, within 10 days after receiving an appeal, shall
issue a written decision affirming, modifying, or reversing the original order or
revocation. The division director may designate an employee of the department to
issue the written decision, if the designated employee did not take part in the
original order or revocation.
(d) The decision under (b)(5) or (c) of this section is a final department decision for
purposes of an appeal to the superior court under the Alaska Rules of Appellate
Procedure.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160, am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020,
AS 44.42.030
17 AAC 25.380. Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Permit Fees
(a) The department will calculate a total permit fee from one or more of the following
component fees, if applicable under (b) of this section:
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(1) for a single move by a vehicle or load that is oversize only, other than a
vehicle or load that is exempt under 17 AAC 25.012(b)(3), and except as
provided in (5) of this subsection,
(A) the basic processing charge is $35;
(B) a surcharge will be added for excess width as follows, if
applicable:
(i) for an overall width in excess of 10 feet and no more than
16 feet, $20;
(ii) for an overall width in excess of 16 feet, $30; and
(C) a surcharge will be added for excess height as follows, if
applicable:
(i) for an overall height in excess of 16 feet and no more than
16.5 feet, $20;
(ii) for an overall height in excess of 16.5 feet, $30;
(2) for a single move by a vehicle or load operating between the Fox Weigh
Station and Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton and Elliott Highways and that is
oversize only under 17 AAC 25.012(a) and (b)(3), and except as provided
in (5) of this subsection,
(A) the basic processing charge is $35;
(B) a surcharge will be added as set out in (1)(B) of this subsection for
excess width, if applicable; and
(C) a surcharge will be added for excess height as follows, if
applicable:
(i) for an overall height in excess of 17 feet and no more than
18.5 feet, $20;
(ii) for an overall height in excess of 18.5 feet, $30;
(3) for a single move by a vehicle or load that is overweight only, and except
as provided in (5) of this subsection,
(A) the basic processing charge is $35; and
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(B) a surcharge of $20 will be added if gross weight is 150,000 pounds
or greater;
(4) for a single move by a vehicle or load that is oversize and overweight, and
except as provided in (5) of this subsection,
(A) the basic processing charge is $60;
(B) a surcharge will be added as set out in (1)(B) of this subsection for
excess width, if applicable;
(C) a surcharge will be added as set out in (1)(C) or (2)(C) of this
subsection for excess height, if applicable; and
(D) a surcharge of $20 will be added if gross weight is 150,000 pounds
or greater;
(5) for an oversize or overweight vehicle that requires the department's bridge
design section review and approval to protect the public safety or the
highway and its apparatus, a per-hour rate of $75;
(6) subject to the requirements for an extended use authorization under 17
AAC 25.320(c), and for an unlimited number of moves by a vehicle or
load that is oversize, overweight, or both oversize and overweight during
the period of:
(A) no more than 30 days, the fee is
(i) $75 for a vehicle or load that is oversize only;
(ii) $75 for a vehicle or load that is overweight only; and
(iii) $150 for a vehicle or load that is both oversize and
overweight;
(B) more than 30 days, but no more than 90 days, the fee is:
(i) $200 for a vehicle or load that is oversize only;
(ii) $200 for a vehicle or load that is overweight only; and
(iii) $350 for a vehicle or load that is both oversize and
overweight;
(C) more than 90 days, but no more than six months, the fee is:
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(i) $300 for a vehicle or load that is oversize only;
(ii) $300 for a vehicle or load that is overweight only; and
(iii) $550 for a vehicle or load that is both oversize and
overweight;
(D) more than six months, but no more than nine months, the fee is:
(i) $450 for a vehicle or load that is oversize only;
(ii) $450 for a vehicle or load that is overweight only; and
(iii) $850 for a vehicle or load that is both oversize and
overweight;
(E) more than nine months, but no more than 12 months, the fee is
(i) $500 for a vehicle or load that is oversize only;
(ii) $500 for a vehicle or load that is overweight only; and
(iii) $1,000 for a vehicle or load that is both oversize and
overweight.
(b) The department will calculate the total fee for a permit issued under 17 AAC
25.320 for oversize and overweight vehicles and loads as follows:
(1) for a single-trip permit for a single vehicle, the department will charge the
applicable single move fee under (a)(1) - (5) of this section;
(2) for an extended-period permit for a single vehicle, the department will
charge the applicable fee under (a)(6) of this section for an unlimited
number of moves;
(3) repealed 11/16/2004;
(4) for a pre-issue single-trip permit, as described on page 6.2 of the
Department of Commerce and Economic Development's Administrative
Permit Manual: Oversize and Overweight Permits, as adopted by
reference in 17 AAC 25.320(b), the department will charge the applicable
single move fee under (a)(1) - (5) of this section;
(5) for a seasonal permit, as described on page 6.2 of the Department of
Commerce and Economic Development's Administrative Permit Manual:
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Oversize and Overweight Permits, as adopted by reference in 17 AAC
25.320(b), the department will charge the applicable fee under (a)(6) of
this section for an unlimited number of moves;
(6) for a single-trip permit for a convoy, as described on page 6.3 of the
Department of Commerce and Economic Development's Administrative
Permit Manual: Oversize and Overweight Permits, as adopted by
reference in 17 AAC 25.320(b), the department will charge for each
vehicle in the convoy the single move fee applicable to that vehicle under
(a)(1) - (5) of this section; a convoy is eligible for a single-trip permit
only;
(7) for equipment engaged in snow removal, the department will charge the
applicable fee under (a)(6) of this section for an unlimited number of
moves.
(c) The permit replacement fee is $25.
(d) The permit change fee for each change submitted is $25.
(e) The permit cancelation fee is $25 for each canceled permit. A permit may not be
canceled after the permit expiration date.
(f) The call-out fee for permit applications submitted before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00
p.m. Monday through Friday, on weekends, and on holidays as defined in AS
44.12.010 is $75.
History: Eff. 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 11/16/2004, Register 172; am 4/9/2009,
Register 190, am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
——————————
Article 4 Unified Carrier Registration
Section
400. Unified Carrier Registration program requirements
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17 AAC 25.400. Unified Carrier Registration Program Requirements
(a) To own or operate a commercial motor vehicle as a motor carrier or motor private
carrier, or to provide services as a freight forwarder, broker, or leasing company,
in interstate commerce, in this state, a company or individual shall register
annually in the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program established under 49
U.S.C. 14504a.
(b) Each registration must be accompanied by a fee, the amount of which will be
determined annually by the Secretary of the United States Department of
Transportation under 49 U.S.C. 14504a. Fees for UCR registration will be
published by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Annual fees
must be paid directly to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities or
through a national or regional electronic system approved by the department.
(Eff. 4/9/2009, Register 190)
(c) An enforcement officer shall order that movement of a vehicle be stopped if the
registrant fails to pay the fee required under (b) of this section. If ordered to stop
its movement, the driver of the vehicle shall move the vehicle to a location
specified by the enforcement officer. The stop movement order remains in effect
until the registrant provides proof of payment of the fees.
History: Eff. 04/09/2009, Register 190; am 04/12/2013, Register 206
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 19.05.020, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030
Editor's note: The address for registering in person or by mail, as required under
17 AAC 25.400 is State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities,
Division of Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Commercial
Vehicle Customer Service Center, 11900 Industry Way, Building M, Anchorage, AK
99515. The facsimile number for filing a motor carrier identification report is (866) 345-
2641, toll-free for filers within the state, 365-1221 for filers within the Anchorage area,
or (907) 365-1221 for filers outside the state. The approved Internet site for electronic
filing is www.ucr.in.gov. The Unified Carrier Registation form is available from the
Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center at the above-noted address, or may be
requested by calling (800) 478-7636 toll-free for callers within the state, 365-1200 for
callers within the Anchorage area, or (907) 365-1200 for callers outside the state. The
form may can also be down-loaded from http://www.dot.state.ak.us/mscve.
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Article 5 Waivers
Section
800.Waiver of provisions.
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17 AAC 25.800. Waiver of Provisions
(a) The commissioner, or the commissioner’s designee, will waive a requirement of
this chapter for a particular state highway system route or a portion of that route,
if the commissioner, or the commissioner’s designee, issues a written
determination that the
(1) state's best interests are served by the waiver;
(2) usefulness of the particular highway is not diminished;
(3) safety of other users is not compromised; and
(4) traveling public will not be unreasonably inconvenienced.
(b) Repealed 4/9/2009.
(c) Repealed 10/7/2001.
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 4/9/2009, Register
190
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
——————————
Article 6 General Provisions
Section
900. Definitions.
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17 AAC 25.900. Definitions
Unless the context indicates otherwise, in this chapter:
(1) "axle" means the common axis of rotation of two or more wheels, whether
power-driven or freely rotating, attached to the vehicle for the purpose of
carrying a portion of the vehicle weight, including any load;
(2) "axle group" means two or more axles where an individual axle is spaced
less than 8 feet and 1 inch from any other axle, as measured from the
centers of the axles;
(3) "belly axle" means a single axle on a trailer or semitrailer that is located at
least 8 feet and 1 inch from the nearest rear axle of a vehicle;
(4) "booster axle" means an axle on a truck that is designed to transfer a
portion of the truck weight to the steering axle, and that is located more
than 8 feet and 1 inch from the nearest axle;
(5) "cargo-carrying length" means the portion of the overall length of a trailer,
excluding the coupling device, upon which a load can be carried;
(6) "cargo-carrying vehicle" means a truck, trailer, semitrailer, or other
vehicle capable of carrying a load;
(7) "commissioner" means the commissioner of transportation and public
facilities;
(8) "department" means the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities;
(9) "division" means the division of measurement standards and commercial
vehicle enforcement within the department;
(10) "dromedary" means a box, tank, deck, or plate that does not exceed 10 feet
in length, and that may be used to carry cargo on a truck-tractor;
(11) "emergency" means a condition that is potentially hazardous to life or
property, or that prevents a damaged highway from being used by the
public;
(12) "enforcement officer" means a:
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(A) peace officer; or
(B) department employee who is:
(i) authorized by the commissioner of transportation and
public facilities under AS 45.75.131; and
(ii) appointed as a special officer by the commissioner of
public safety under AS 18.65.010;
(13) repealed 11/16/2004;
(14) "4-axle group" or "quad axle" means a multi-axle group of four axles that
is attached with a connecting mechanism, with each separate axle located
less than 8 feet and 1 inch from the other axles;
(15) "full mount" means a vehicle mounted completely upon the first or last
vehicle in a saddlemount combination;
(16) "gross weight" or "gross vehicle weight" means the total weight of a
vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, including load and any accumulated
snow, ice, mud, rocks, or dirt;
(17) "height" means the total vertical dimension of a vehicle above a roadway,
including any load, load-holding device, and equipment;
(18) "inclement weather" means:
(A) fog, rain, or snow conditions that restrict visibility to less than
1,000 feet;
(B) wind conditions that render a vehicle unable to maintain
directional control within one driving lane; or
(C) an accumulation of ice, snow, or freezing rain upon a roadway that
render a vehicle unable to maintain traction;
(19) "jeep" means a short frame-type trailer complete with upper coupler, fifth
wheel, and undercarriage assembly and designed so that, when coupled
between a semitrailer and tractor, the jeep carries a portion of the trailer
king pin load while transferring the remainder of that load to the tractor's
fifth wheel;
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(20) "king pin" means the device that connects the upper half to the lower half
of a coupling device in a manner that permits relative motion in a
horizontal plane between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle;
(21) "length" means the total longitudinal dimension of a vehicle;
(22) "lift axle" or "variable suspension axle" means an axle:
(A) with mounted tires and rims; and
(B) that may be elevated or regulated by raising its tires from the
roadway, with the result that a portion of the vehicle weight is
transferred to another axle or axle group;
(23) "load" means anything that is carried on or in a vehicle, but that is not
permanently attached to the vehicle;
(24) "long combination vehicle" or "LCV" means a combination of a power
vehicle and cargo-carrying vehicles that exceeds the length specified in 17
AAC 25.012(c);
(25) "multi-axle group" means an assembly of more than two axles that are
attached with connecting devices;
(26) "non-divisible vehicle or load" means a vehicle or load that:
(A) exceeds a length or weight limit set out in this chapter; and
(B) if separated into smaller vehicles or loads, would:
(i) compromise the intended use of the vehicle;
(ii) destroy the value of the load or vehicle; or
(iii) require more than eight work hours to dismantle using
appropriate equipment;
(27) "overall length" means the total longitudinal length of a vehicle or a
combination of vehicles, including the load;
(28) "overall width" means width as measured in accordance with 17 AAC
25.012(a);
(29) "permit" means an authorization issued under 17 AAC 25.320 for
movement or operation of oversize and overweight vehicles on a highway;
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(30) "pounds per inch of tire width" means a measure of weight restriction
based upon a tire manufacturer's rating of nominal tire width;
(31) "power vehicle" means a truck, a truck-tractor, or another vehicle capable
of towing a cargo-carrying vehicle;
(32) "saddle" means a mechanism that connects the front axle of a towed
vehicle, by a king pin, to the frame or fifth wheel of the towing vehicle;
(33) "saddlemount combination" means a power unit towing up to three other
power vehicles, each connected to the preceding vehicle by a saddle;
(34) "semitrailer" means a vehicle or cargo-carrying vehicle without motive
power designed for carrying persons or property, and so constructed to be
drawn by a power vehicle such that some part of its own weight and that
of its load rests on or is carried by another vehicle;
(35) "shifting" means the process by which a portion of a load is transferred
from one axle group to another by adjusting air pressure, adjusting the
fifth wheel, or physically moving part of the load to another axle group
without removing the load from the vehicle;
(36) "single axle" means an assembly of two or more wheels whose centers are
in one transverse vertical plane not less than 8 feet and 1 inch from
another axle, and extending across the full width of a vehicle;
(37) "single axle weight" means the total weight transmitted to the roadway by
the wheels of a single axle;
(38) "state" means State of Alaska;
(39) "steering axle" means one or more axles on the front of a power vehicle
that can be activated by the operator to directly accomplish guidance or
steerage of the power vehicle or a combination of vehicles;
(40) "steerable axle" means an axle that has a self-steering mechanism that
operates while a vehicle is in motion;
(41) "supplemental axle" means a lift axle, a variable suspension axle, or a
belly axle;
(42) "tandem axle weight" means the total weight transmitted to the roadway
by a two axle group;
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(43) "terminal" means a business licensed under AS 43.70 where commercial
goods are loaded or unloaded from commercial vehicles or services for
commercial vehicles are obtained;
(44) "3-axle group" or "tridem axle" means a multi-axle group of three axles
that is attached to a vehicle with a connecting mechanism, with each
separate axle located less than 8 feet and 1 inch from the other axles;
(45) "trailer" means a towed cargo-carrying vehicle with one or more axles
configured so that no significant portion of its total weight rests upon the
towing vehicle;
(46) "truck" means a motorized cargo-carrying vehicle that is designed, used,
or maintained primarily for the movement of a load; "truck" includes a
vehicle that pulls trailers or semitrailers;
(47) "truck-tractor" means a motorized vehicle designed and used primarily for
pulling cargo-carrying vehicles; however, "truck-tractor" includes a truck-
tractor with a dromedary;
(48) "2-axle group" or "tandem axle" means an assembly of two axles that are
attached to a vehicle by a connecting mechanism designed to distribute
weight equally to both axles of the group, "2-axle group" or "tandem axle"
does not include lift axles, variable suspension axles, booster axles, or
belly axles located within less than 8 feet and 1 inch of that assembly;
(49) "variable suspension axle" has the meaning given to "lift axle" in this
section;
(50) "vehicle" means a wheeled device capable of transporting persons or
property on a highway; "vehicle" includes anything permanently attached
to the wheeled device that is not included in the definition for "equipment"
in this section.
(51) “intrastate commerce” has the meaning ascribed to it in 49 C.F.R. 390.5,
adopted by reference in 17 AAC 25.210(a).
History: Eff. 8/13/95, Register 135; am 10/7/2001, Register 160; am 11/16/2004, Register
172; am 4/9/2009, Register 190; am 12/30/2010, Register 196
Authority: AS 19.05.010, AS 19.05.020, AS 19.05.040, AS 19.10.060, AS 44.42.020, AS
44.42.030, AS 45.75.050
——————————
Part A - Appendix H - Page 51
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX I: MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE TRUCK
ROUTES
Downtown Truck Routes Based on Title 9 Restrictions A S treetA S t r e e t
10th AvenueC St reet5th AvenueL St reet
I St reet
6th AvenueMedf ra
15th Avenue9th Avenue13th AvenueIngra
Gambell
3rd AvenueK arluk
8th Avenue7th AvenueTruck RoutesProhibitedPermittedPart A - Appendix I - Page 1
Part A - Appendix I - Page 2
INITIAL STUDY REPORT TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES STUDY (15.7)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 June 2014
PART A - APPENDIX J: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AND PUBLIC FACILITIES SEASONAL WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
V:\Permits\Weight Restriction Items\Weight restriction bulletin_ on letterhead.doc
“Providing for the safe movement of people and goods and the delivery of state services.”
Sean Parnell, GOVERNOR
Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center
PHONE (907) 365-1200 (800) 478-7636
FAX (907) 365-1221
TOLL FREE FAX (866)345-2641
Dan Breeden, Director
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES
DIVISION OF MEASUREMENT STANDARDS and COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT
WEIGHT RESTRICTION INFORMATION BULLETIN
17 AAC 25.100 (a) The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities...may impose restrictions on any
aspect of vehicle operation on any highway whenever the highway, in the judgment of the Commissioner,
may be seriously damaged or destroyed by such operation...The restrictions shall be effective after due
notice has been given to the public, except in an emergency requiring immediate action. (b) Except for
steering axles, whenever weight restrictions imposed by the Commissioner or representative are stated as a
percentage of legal allowable weights, the percentage shall be applied to the maximum allowable axle
loading of 17 AAC 25.013 (a)(2).
Dual Tired Maximum Allowable Axle* or Axle Group Weight in Pounds
Axle Weight 1 Axle* 2 Axles 3 Axles** 4 Axles 5 Axles 6 Axles
Restriction%
Legal 100% 20,000 38,000 42,000 50,000 58,000 66,000
85% 17,000 32,300 35,700 42,500 49,300 56,100
75% 15,000 28,500 31,500 37,500 43,500 49,500
50% 10,000 19,000 21,000 25,000 29,000 33,000
* Tire tread width must be 9.25" or larger or legal weight is controlled by tires
** Reference 17AAC25.013 (a) (B) for additional allowable weight on certain (3) axle combinations.
1. 100% represents the legal maximum allowable weight. Restrictions are based on 85%, 75%
or 50% of the maximum allowable axle/axle group weight.
2. 8’1” is the minimum spacing between axle groups. Axles spaced less than 8’1” apart are
considered acting as one group.
3. Lift axle(s) in the drive group of the power unit are not counted in determining the legal
maximum allowable weight.
4. The maximum allowable weight for the steering axle(s) of a power unit (does not apply to
other steerable axles) is determined by the number of tires multiplied by the tire tread width and
then multiplied by 600 pounds/inch of tire tread width and remains unchanged at 85%, 75% and
50% weight restrictions.
5. The allowable weight when determined by tires on all but the steering axle(s) of the power unit
is equal to the number of tires multiplied by the tire tread width in inches and then multiplied by
550 pounds/inch of tire tread width.
6. The legal weight at 100% is always the most restrictive weight as figured by:
(1) the bridge formula (chart) or
(2) the summation of each of the individual axle/axle group weights.
The individual axle/axle group weight is the most restrictive of the weight determined by
tires or by axle(s).
Single Tired Steering Axle Weights in Pounds
8” tread width = 9,600 11" tread width = 13,200 14" tread width = 16,800
9” tread width = 10,800 12" tread width = 14,400 15" tread width = 18,000
10" tread width = 12,000 13" tread width = 15,600 16" tread width = 19,200
Part A - Appendix J - Page 1
V:\Permits\Weight Restriction Items\Weight restriction bulletin_ on letterhead.doc
“Providing for the safe movement of people and goods and the delivery of state services.”
Sean Parnell, GOVERNOR
Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center
PHONE (907) 365-1200 (800) 478-7636
FAX (907) 365-1221
TOLL FREE FAX (866)345-2641
Dan Breeden, Director
WEIGHT RESTRICTION EXCEPTIONS
1. Within seven (7) days of the effective date of the restriction, vehicles enroute at the time of
restriction are allowed 100% of legal load, except when the effective date of the restriction is
known 30 days in advance. A bill of lading is required to verify the shipping date. These vehicles
are subject to the restrictions seven (7) days after the effective date of the restriction.
2. Interstate sealed and charged produce vans are allowed 100% of legal load when they have
been charged prior to the effective date of the restriction. A bill of lading is required to verify the
shipping date. These trucks are subject to the restrictions when loaded after the effective date of
the restriction.
3. Intermodal (IM) portable tanks or compartments having a volume greater than 7,500 liters
(1,980 U.S. gallons) are allowed 100% of legal load because they may not be loaded to a filling
density less than 80% by volume by federal law, (49 CFR Part 173.32(f)(5)). A bill of lading
identifying the product name and identification number is required.
4. The following vehicles are allowed 100% of legal axle loading or bridge weight during more
restrictive percentages, no overweight loading will be allowed:
a. Bulk Milk Tankers
b. Sewage Pump trucks
c. Local Water Delivery Trucks
d. Local Home heating oil/propane Trucks
e. Garbage and/or Dumpster Trucks
f. School and Municipal Buses.
g. LNG tankers
5. Commercial or governmental trucks used in transportation of mobile dumpsters containing
trash while in the act of transporting such dumpsters are allowed 100% of legal load. No permit is
required.
6. School and municipal buses engaged in transporting people are allowed 100% of legal load.
No permit is required.
Part A - Appendix J - Page 2