Nenana River Pedestrian Bridge

This purpose of this project is to provide visitors, residents, and through travelers a connection to National Park lands and safe access over the Nenana River near Milepost 231. The proposed bridge would allow non-motorized travel between Denali Park Village and Tsenesdghaas Na’ Trailhead. This infrastructure would be a safety improvement for both pedestrians and motorists.

 

Project location between Denali Park Village on the south bank to the NPS trailhead on the north bank.

Background

The need for a safer pedestrian crossing of the Nenana River in this area was part of projects initiated more than a decade ago by Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF). Those ideas for motorist and pedestrian safety improvements evolved into several infrastructure additions between milepost 230-232, including vehicle turning lanes and an acceleration lane for through traffic, as well as a pedestrian multi-use trail highway underpass on the south side of the river between Denali Park Village and Denali Grizzly Bear Resort, and a pedestrian trail highway underpass on the north side of the river for the Triple Lakes Trail. This left the remaining problem of providing a way for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the river.

 

View of the current highway bridge.

NPS Photo

Project Overview

Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Division is the lead agency for this project, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), to build a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Nenana River, separate from the highway vehicle bridge. A steel truss bridge type has been selected for this bridge. This design is advantageous as it provides for a wide deck for concurrent use by multiple types of users, the support piers will be outside of the river channel, and the style will be visually consistent with the railbelt heritage of this region. Selection factors included visual aesthetics, function, resilience, and maintenance. The bridge is designed for non-motorized use only.

 

Preliminary design for the Nenana River pedestrian bridge.

 

Preliminary design cross section for the Nenana River pedestrian bridge.

The bridge would connect a multi-use separated pathway from the south, currently in development by AKDOT&PF with Denali Borough. On the north bank, this bridge would connect to the Nenana River Trails, currently under construction by the National Park Service. Funding for project design and construction is through the NPS Federal Lands Access Program.

Tentative project schedule:

• Design and NEPA / NHPA compliance 2025–2026
• Construction contract award 2027
• Construction 2028–2029

How Can I Get Involved?

• If you have questions about this project, please email us.
• Read more about the Nenana River Trails project.
• Read more about the Borough-wide separated pathway project.