Project # CFHWY00917 / Federal # 0A16055

 

Preferred Alternative

The project team evaluated alternatives to make short-term improvements at the Glenn Highway and Hiland Road interchange while maintaining the existing bridge over the highway. The following constraints guided the alternatives evaluated:

• The existing bridge must be retained and integrated into proposed solutions
• Non-motorized and transit facilities must be maintained or enhanced
• Solutions must address each of the traffic operational issues during the morning peak:
• Balanced lane volumes on Eagle River Loop Road
• Increase capacity for westbound to southbound vehicles
• Increase southbound entrance ramp capacity

The alternatives considered were:

• No Build (dismissed): This alternative would not provide construction or improvements to the interchange. This alternative must be considered under the environmental document but would not meet the project’s purpose and need.
• Southbound Ramp Double Left (dismissed): This alternative would convert the existing Eagle Rive Loop Road westbound through lane on the bridge to a combination left turn and through lane. This alternative would improve operations for Eagle Rive Loop Road traffic heading to Anchorage and not fix operational deficiencies at other intersections in the interchange or nearby.
• Southbound Dual Loop Ramp (dismissed): This alternative would construct a dual-lane loop-style southbound entrance ramp and grade-separated pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the west intersection. This alternative would improve operations for Eagle Rive Loop Road traffic heading to Anchorage and not fix operational deficiencies at other intersections in the interchange or nearby. Additionally, it would required costly utility relocations and right-of-way acquisition from neighboring properties, increasing costs and delaying the schedule.
• Divergabout (preferred): This alternative is a diverging diamond interchange with roundabouts, otherwise known as a ‘divergabout’ or ‘crossover roundabout’. This concept has not been introduced in Alaska, but functions well in other areas of the U.S. Benefits include:
• Comprehensive improvements to interchange operations and performance for all movements
• Non-motorized facilities have refuges and single-lane crossings.
• Minimal utility impacts
• Not require a ROW acquisition from JBER
• Have a small ROW acquisition that aligns with the Anchorage Regional Landfill's gate improvements
• Compatibility with retaining the existing bridge and a future bridge replacement

To learn more about the alternatives evaluation, please view the Alternatives Selection Memo and the Open House 1 meeting materials.

This video below shows how vehicles move across the bridge from various starting points:

 

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