Image via WikipediaDenali National Park and Preserve intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment regarding the replacement of Rock Creek Bridge (MP 3.3) on the Denali Park Road. The bridge, which was constructed in the 1950s, is an essential link on the only road into Denali National Park. It currently has a very low weight limit, as the bridge was not designed for the type and quantity of traffic that it now receives. The bridge's 24-foot width, combined with its curved design, often results in westbound RV trailers and semis tracking into oncoming traffic in the eastbound lane. In addition, Federal Highway Administration evaluations have identified several potential structural weaknesses in design and seismic resistance.A reasonable range of alternatives will be developed for consideration that will be responsive to the issues identified through agency and public involvement. The alternatives currently under consideration include replacing the bridge in its entirety, retrofitting the existing bridge, and replacing the bridge with a culvert and fill material. A new pedestrian crossing and walkway may also be included in the project to enhance pedestrian safety.
The NPS is currently in the scoping phase of this project and invites the public to submit written comments by Friday, November 25, 2011. Comments may be submitted online athttp://parkplanning.nps.gov, faxed to (907) 683-9612, emailed, or mailed to:
Superintendent
Denali National Park and Preserve
ATTN: Rock Creek Bridge Replacement
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755
The NPS encourages public participation through the National Environmental Policy Act (commonly known as NEPA) process. The public will have two opportunities to formally comment on this project - during this initial project scoping and after the EA is released in December 2011.
For questions about the project please contact Dick Anderson at (907) 644-3536 or via email.
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