Shirley Towne Bridge Reconstruction

Scope

This project will construct a new bridge span and north abutment to repair damage that occurred during the 2012 flood event, which washed out the old abutment.

During the flood event, the main channel of the creek shifted northward and destroyed the north abutment, and is actively eroding the remaining northern approach road. The bridge improvements are needed so that an emergency access route is available across the creek in the event that the Michelle Drive Bridge further downstream becomes impassible. The Borough has investigated alternatives to improve the Shirley Towne Bridge following the flood event and determined to move forward with installation of a new single lane span on the north end.

The project consists of the design of a new span to extend the overall bridge length, a new abutment, new erosion protection for the north abutment and restoration of the approach road on the north end.

Project Benefits

The bridge improvements will:

• Restore an emergency access route in the event that the Michelle Drive Bridge further downstream becomes impassible
• Provide access to undeveloped land, and natural resources in the Hatcher Pass Management Area

Project Status

Field investigations are complete and the engineering plans are currently at the 75% level. Environmental permitting is in progress. Construction is scheduled to begin in early winter 2021.

Project Cost

This project is funded by the Mat-Su Borough and is expected to cost approximately $500,000.