Construction Season in Anchorage Underway

Midtown gets torn apart during the summer months

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Jul 17, 2012 at 7:53 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 17, 2012 at 7:56 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - The Department of Transportation said the two-year, six-lane expansion project on the Seward Highway between Dowling and Tudor is right on schedule. The southbound off-ramp to Tudor is open and transportation officials said the construction is causing a minimal impact to drivers.

“We have notices on signs and changeable message boards and I think the motoring public is used to our restrictions which are limited from morning to afternoon,” said Project Engineer Mike Gault.

Spenard Road is completely closed from International to Aviation with business access only. The one-year project is expected to be complete this fall.

Construction on Dowling Road is also on schedule. Crews are connecting the road from Old Seward to C Street and replacing the Campbell Creek bridge. The second phase of the project will tentatively start next year and connects Dowling all the way to Minnesota.

“I like the idea we're making another east-west connector that will take heat off the existing ones we have at Dimond and Tudor,” said Gault.

Dowling runs right in front of businesses like Big Bob’s Flooring and managers said the construction has had an unexpected effect on business.

“It really hasn't hurt us. Everyone that's willing to go through the construction is buying. No one is just coming around to check it out or kick tires. They're coming in and making a decision and buying. So our numbers are actually up and we're having the best month we've had all year,” said Sales Manager Anthony Levine.

Leslie Torrence made her way through the maze of construction to get to Big Bob’s and said she’s found the key to dealing with the closures.

“I have completely avoided the area... so I haven't had any problems with it,” said Torrence.

DOT staff said if you can’t avoid road work sites watch for detour signs and pay attention to flaggers because road construction season is far from over.

 

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