URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking redesign of the dangerously congested Seward Highway and Tudor Road interchange in Anchorage is set to transform one of Alaska’s busiest intersections. The $40 million project, primarily funded by the Federal Highway Administration, is scheduled to begin in 2030, but the planning phase is already underway.
The interchange, which sees over 80,000 vehicles daily, is notorious for traffic jams and high accident rates. According to project manager Galen Jones, the current layout poses serious safety risks due to inadequate overhead clearance and narrow sidewalks. “The existing bridge only offers a little over 16 feet of clearance, well below the 18-foot standard,” Jones stated.
Transportation experts are responding to community frustrations over safety improvements at the Tudor Road intersection, recognized as one of the deadliest roads in the state. “We know it’s one of the deadliest roads in the state, especially the stretch that this project will impact,” said Assembly member Felix Rivera, representing the Midtown neighborhood.
The upcoming project aims to replace the aging bridge and modernize the interchange to enhance safety and traffic flow. Improvements will include wider sidewalks and better separation between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, creating a more comfortable experience for all users. “It should feel a lot more comfortable and safe for people that aren’t in vehicles trying to cross,” Jones added.
Transportation planners have considered various designs, ultimately opting to align the intersections on the east and west sides closer together, allowing them to function as a cohesive system rather than two separate ones. “It’ll look a lot similar to what it is today,” Jones explained, “but it’ll just be safer, more comfortable for non-motorized users, and efficient for everybody.”
The project is in the preliminary design phase, with engineers expected to finalize layouts by the end of this year. Nearby community councils have expressed their concerns over the lack of improvements on Tudor Road for several years. With the high volume of traffic, the current setup creates bottlenecks during peak hours.
In conjunction with the Tudor interchange project, a future redesign of the 36th Avenue intersection is planned to separate regional traffic from local commuters. Jones indicated that this redesign aims to significantly reduce crash risks for both drivers and pedestrians.
As Anchorage prepares for this much-needed overhaul, community members and city officials alike are hopeful that the improvements will address longstanding safety issues and enhance the driving experience for all who rely on this critical roadway. The project promises to be a vital step towards safer streets in Alaska’s largest city.
Stay tuned for further updates as the planning progresses and the community continues to advocate for safer roadways.
