The purpose of the WestSu Access project is to provide a safe public road linkage from the existing road system west to recreational resources and public lands owned by the State of Alaska and MSB. Once constructed, the road would provide access to more than 6 million acres of State lands for public recreation and economic development, enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure and economy.   

No. DOT&PF’s WestSu Access project is wholly independent of AIDEA’s proposed industrial road. It does, however, leverage the work that AIDEA completed, including the alignment options for 22-plus miles of proposed road; the environmental, cultural resource, design, and planning documents; and public input to develop the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.  

DOT&PF initiated a National Environmental Policy Act environmental assessment (EA) process in July 2024 to consider the project’s purpose and need, actions to meet those needs, and potential environmental impacts and mitigations. Many of the potential impacts have been identified in other studies. 

The WestSu Access project would be a gravel “pioneer” road similar to the Nenana-Totchaket Road. The project is expected to include a combination of boat launches and crossings over the Little Susitna River, Fish Creek, the Susitna River, and Alexander Creek. The project team is currently working to define design criteria and the geometry of the road. This information will be available for public input and ultimately be included in the draft environmental document. 

Largely based on data from DOT&PF’s 2013/2014 West Susitna Surface Access Reconnaissance Report and AIDEA’s industrial road project, the DOT&PF has considered four preliminary alignments in addition to a No-Action Alternative: 

• West Susitna Parkway Alternative (the proposed action) 
• Point MacKenzie Rail Extension Alternative 
• Refuge Avoidance Variant 
• Point MacKenzie Route 

DOT&PF’s proposed action is the West Susitna Parkway Alternative. This route leverages an existing MSB right-of-way to the extent practical, which is subject to change pending wetlands and cultural resources data collection outcomes. It also completely avoids the Susitna Flats Game Refuge.  

Yes. Once completed, the public can access areas west of the Susitna River to Alexander Creek.

DOT&PF initiated an EA process in July 2024 to evaluate the pioneer road’s potential environmental effects and mitigations, with the desire to begin construction in 2025. 

The WestSu Access project is listed in the 2020-2027 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP ID 34206), making it eligible for federal funding. The total anticipated cost for the project’s design and construction is around $74 million, of which the State is contributing about $5 million.  

The public will have multiple opportunities to provide comments during the environmental review process. While the public is welcome to send comments to comments to [email protected] at any time, the next formal public comment period will be in early 2025 when the draft environmental document is published. DOT&PF will also keep the public informed throughout the effort through presentations at community council meetings, updates to the MSB Assembly, e-newsletters, and via the project website: westsuaccess.com.

Sign up for project-related emails and see up-to-date materials on the project website: westsuaccess.com.