Fireweed Lane Reconstruction Project

Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. What’s the plan?

A. We have begun the preliminary engineering and environmental approval phase of the project. This is the first phase of project development which involves comprehensive collection of data about Fireweed Lane’s existing conditions and evaluation of positive and negative  impacts  which the proposed improvements will have on the area’s environment. This phase of development is where the public’s input is most critical as there are many aspects of the existing conditions and proposed solutions which can only be discovered through interaction with business’s and residents who frequent the area. The most acceptable design solutions will be identified and summarized in a Draft Preliminary Engineering Report which will be presented to the public for further input and comment.  The preliminary engineering phase will conclude with Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) approval of the environmental document and publication of the Final Preliminary Engineering Report.

The second phase of project development is the Design Phase. This begins with development of a Draft Design Study Report.(DSR). The Draft DSR identifies several design alternatives for consideration and proposes the preferred alternative to move forward into design. Once again public participation will be sought as the preferred alternative is confirmed and the details are refined and documented into the Final DSR. The Final DSR and it’s preferred alternative provides a detailed scope of the improvements to be developed by the project engineer into final design plans and specifications. The final design, prior to bidding and beginning construction will again be presented to the public. At this stage it is not appropriate to implement major changes to the design however an opportunity to make minor refinements to the design does exist. Public participation at this late stage is more oriented toward informing area residents and business of what to expect during construction and from the completed project.

Q. Will the project need more right-of-way for the road?

A. We anticipate using the existing right-of-way for the road and pedestrian facilities. Additional right-of-way needed, if any, would be minor.

Q. Will my driveway be changed?

A. Some driveway access will need to be changed to conform to safety standards. The project team will discuss this individually in detail with affected property owners at the appropriate time in the design process.

Q. Will the project affect parking at my business?

A. The project will use the right of way for improving the roadway. If you are currently providing parking in the right of way, it is likely that your parking will be affected.  We urge business and property owners to work together to provide safe parking for their customers outside the publicly owned right of way.

Q. Will there be improvements to bus stops?

A. Bus stops will be brought up to current standards, and amenities such as benches may be added. Some locations might shift to better serve bus riders or respond to roadway design changes.

Q. Will there be changes to major intersections like A, C, and the Seward Highway?

A. No major modifications are anticipated for A street, C street or the Seward Highway. However, at these intersections the approaches will be designed to adequately handle future traffic.

Q. Will there be changes to the sidewalks?

A. The project will address the uneven quality of the Fireweed sidewalks. We know that good pedestrian facilities are an invitation to walk in a neighborhood, and that walkers are more likely to notice individual businesses on a street. Fireweed’s sidewalks need to be brought up to current standards with curb cuts, removal of obstacles, etc.

Q. Will overhead utilities be put underground?

A. ML&P has currently identified the Fireweed Lane corridor in their draft 5 year under grounding plan.  That plan will be finalized by January 2006.  ML&P welcomes comments from local residents and businesses concerning the possible under grounding of overhead lines on Fireweed Lane.  Comments and suggestions can be made directly to ML&P by calling Lance Powell, P.E., Line Design Supervisor at 263-5254.

Q. When will these changes be constructed?

A. Construction is estimated to take place in 2008 or later. The actual date will depend on when funding is identified and prioritized by Anchorage Metropolitan Transportation Solutions (AMATS). See schedule page for further detail.

Q. What will be done to minimize impacts to my business?

A. We know that road construction is a trying time for businesses. The contract will require that construction contractors maintain access to businesses.

Q. How can I find out what’s going on?

A. Bookmark this web site and keep coming back to check. We will also be mailing out newsletters and announcements during the project. If you would like to make sure you are on the mailing list, please contact the Public Involvement Coordinator