News Release

Environmental Assessment Available for Public Review and Comment

Date: May 27, 2020
Contact: G.W. Hitchcock, [phone]

An environmental assessment proposing to replace the Ghiglione Bridge (milepost 41.9) with a new bridge, approximately 70 feet upstream (north) of its current location and closer to the historic road alignment, is available for public review and comment May 27, through June 10, 2020.

The environmental assessment evaluates a no-action alternative and one action alternative. Potential impacts to soils, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, soundscape, and recreation are analyzed for the following actions:

• Construct a 180-foot concrete and steel curved bridge with wooden rails compatible with historic district;
• Locate the new bridge 70 feet upstream of current location;
• Install 20 pilings for piers and abutments;
• Construct approximately 150 feet of road approach for each end of the new bridge;
• Clear and revegetate;
• Use of the existing bridge to minimize any need for traffic delays or lane closures during; construction of the new bridge;
• Use of traffic control throughout the construction period;
• All concrete and rebar from the bridge would be removed from the park and taken to a suitable disposal site; and
• Remove approximately 4,200 cubic yards of material from the creek banks beneath the existing bridge within five years of project initiation for use in other park projects.

The Ghiglione Bridge Replacement Environmental Assessment is available on the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment Site (PEPC). Comments can be submitted directly on the PEPC site, or mailed to:

 Superintendent, Denali National Park and Preserve
 P.O. Box 9
 Denali Park, AK 99755.  

Comments will be accepted through June 10, 2020. 

This project would extend through two summer seasons and is scheduled to begin in 2021.