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Old Glenn Highway & Arctic Avenue Corridor Plan

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Project Overview

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is developing the Old Glenn Highway & Arctic Avenue Corridor Plan to establish a 20-year vision and strategy for the transportation corridor within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The plan will identify and prioritize projects and, where appropriate, develop conceptual designs and planning-level cost estimates to support future funding opportunities and project implementation.

The corridor study focuses on the Old Glenn Highway from its interchange with the Glenn Highway near the Knik River, through the transition to Arctic Avenue, and terminating at the intersection with the Glenn Highway in Palmer. While the final plan will address the entire corridor, the current phase of work is focused on Arctic Avenue.

Key Goals

  • Identify transportation needs and opportunities within the corridor.
  • Improve safety and mobility for all modes of transportation.
  • Evaluate development patterns, traffic volumes, safety issues, environmental concerns, and right-of-way constraints.
  • Incorporate public feedback and community priorities into the planning process.
  • Develop recommended projects and actions to improve corridor conditions.

Community Benefits

  • A long-range transportation strategy for the corridor.
  • Prioritized projects to support future transportation investments.
  • Improved transportation options and connectivity for all users.
  • Recommendations informed by technical analysis and public involvement.

Project Area

The corridor plan focuses on the Old Glenn Highway and Arctic Avenue transportation corridor within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. As shown in the figure below, the study area includes:

  • Segment 1: Arctic Avenue: from the Glenn Highway east to the Matanuska River Bridge, past the Palmer Municipal Airport
  • Segment 2A: Old Glenn Highway from the Matanuska River Bridge, south past the Old Glenn Pathway and Butte Fire Department to the Knik River Bridge
  • Segment 2B: Old Glenn Highway from the Knik River Bridge southwest to the Old Glenn and Glenn Highway interchange

The current phase of the project is focused on Segment 1.

Project History

Arctic Avenue, between the Glenn Highway and the Matanuska River Bridge, is a Minor Arterial roadway that provides access to commercial, residential, and school uses in Palmer. Average annual daily traffic exceeds 10,000 vehicles per day, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities are not continuous throughout the corridor.

Arctic Avenue has been a source of concern for residents and the City of Palmer for several years, particularly regarding pedestrian crossings, business access, traffic operations, and vehicle speeds. Numerous improvement concepts have been suggested, including traffic signals, medians, warning signs, pedestrian crossings, and other roadway improvements. However, a corridor-wide review has not previously been completed.

The purpose of this corridor plan is to provide an objective analysis of transportation needs within the study area and identify potential solutions to improve conditions for all users.