‘12-Mile overpass’ on Richardson Highway to be completed before winter

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - The overpass being constructed at mile 351 of the Richardson Highway, near North Pole, is expected to be complete before winter sets in, unlike the overpass built at mile 359.

The overpass at mile 359 took over two seasons to complete, but paving operations for the overpass at mile 351 are expected to begin in the coming weeks according to the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT).

This places the project on time to see completion in October.

As the overpass has been built, drivers have been diverted to single lane traffic near the site, going between Fairbanks and North Pole.

Officials told Alaska’s News Source what to expect once paving begins.

“Traffic will see some shifting, but once we’re able to open the road, traffic will just flow as normal with the bridge open,” said Angelica Stabs, a public information officer for the DOT.

The underpass is expected to be open to the public as well.

Construction for the overpass, which is being built to reduce crashes on the highway, began in April.

As that project wraps up, the DOT will also be starting a few more projects expected to see completion by the end of the season, including a renovation to Miller Hill and Yankovich Road. Those roads are in a residential area near the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and that work is starting this month.

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