The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities is considering a $1.4 billion project to widen the Seward Highway between Bird Flats and Rabbit Creek to accommodate a median between north- and south-bound traffic lanes, extra space for falling rock and ice, additional turn pockets and travel lanes, and a separate multi-use passage for pedestrians and non-motorized use. The public is invited to an in-person meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, or a virtual meeting on Wednesday, September 23, to discuss the Safer Seward Highway project details and current analysis.
The Safer Seward Highway project seeks to decommission the section of the highway between Bird Flats and Rabbit Creek as a Safety Corridor. It was first designated a Safety Corridor in 2006 due to a higher rate of fatal and major-injury crashes than similar corridors
in the state.
According to the project fact sheet provided by DOT&PF, the project mitigates safety concerns in this ways:
- Curve flattening
- Rock and ice fall mitigation
- Wider shoulders
- Divided highway
- Increased line of sight
- Adding turning lanes and acceleration/
merge lanes
Total cost is estimated at $1.4 billion over 10 to 20 years, occurring in stages of approximately $150 million at a time. Funding is expected through the National Highway Performance Program and other federal grants.
Meeting Details
Date: Tuesday September 22, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a presentation at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Anchorage Loussac Library, Learning Commons, 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK 99503There will be a presentation at 5:30 p.m., followed by Q&A. Snacks will be provided.
Virtual Public Meeting: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a presentation starting at 5:00 p.m. The same information from the public meeting will also be presented virtually.
Public comment period: September 22-October 22, 2026
View the details and submit comments at: safersewardhighway.com
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