Overview Upcoming Events Public Engagement Comment Resources Timeline Project Map What's New MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH

Sign Up To Receive Project Updates ENGSTROM ROAD TO
TRUNK ROAD CORRIDOR

What's New We’ll share updates here as the project moves through design.

Project Overview The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) proposes the construction of a new corridor between Engstrom Road and Trunk Road to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion. This project addresses the needs of current and future traffic volumes in the Fishhook and North Lakes areas, where limited road networks constrain mobility.

The project will improve safety and increase the capacity of the road network in the Fishhook area by providing an alternate route between Engstrom Road and Trunk Road.

Addressing Traffic Congestion Currently, there is no direct connection between Engstrom Road and Trunk Road. Traffic must travel via Bogard Road and use the only major intersection in the area, creating bottlenecks and delays. Steady population growth across the MSB over the past decades has placed significant strain on the region's road network.
The 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) identified these congestion challenges and emphasized the need for an alternate route. This plan specifically identified congestion issues along Engstrom Road, and a need to reduce congestion and provide an alternate access to Trunk Road and Palmer-Fishhook Road

The Engstrom Road to Trunk Road Connector project aligns with key MSB plans, including:
  • 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
  • 2022 Official Streets and Highways Plan (OSHP)
  • 2021 Transportation Infrastructure Program (TIP21)
  • Project Components

    Following the selection of the preferred route, the Borough will evaluate and acquire any necessary land for the project.

    Engstrom Road may undergo minor improvements near the connection points to integrate seamlessly with the new roadway.

    Upgrades to intersections adjacent to the new connection points will enhance safety and traffic flow.

    The roadway will include one or more crossings at Wasilla Creek and possibly Cottonwood Creek, utilizing bridges or culverts as appropriate to minimize environmental impacts and ensure fish passage criteria is met at each creek crossing.

    During the design phase, coordination with utility owners will ensure that any affected utilities are relocated with minimal disruption.

    To preserve the roadbed and manage water flow, the project will incorporate ditches and culverts.

    In the final construction phase, the roadway will be equipped with appropriate signage and striping.

    The project includes several key components to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable construction, including the following:

    Project Map The map below shows the routes that the MSB is currently considering.

    Project Timeline

    2017

    Identified in 2035 LRTP

    Project is first identified in the 2035 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

    2021

    Voters Approve TIP21 Project

    Voters approve the project as part of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP21).

    2022

    Reconnaissance Study Initiated

    The MSB begins a study to investigate possible project alignments.

    2024

    Traffic Study Underway

    MSB conducts a traffic study to analyze current patterns and assess the impact of planned projects on potential alignments.

    2025

    Public Input on Alignment Selection

    MSB engages the public to gather feedback on the alignment selection process.

    2026

    Presentation to Local Government, Boards, and Committees

    The MSB presents the results of the route selection process to the Transportation Advisory Board, the Planning Commission, and the Assembly.

    Route Selection Report The Draft Route Selection Report evaluated route alternatives connecting Engstrom Road to Trunk Road to improve safety, reduce congestion, and recommends Northern Route 1 or 2 for further design. Traffic Analysis Resources The Traffic Analysis for the Engstrom-to-Trunk Corridor evaluated current traffic conditions and future conditions for each of the four proposed route alternatives. View Report View Report Transportation Advisory Board: Resolution of Support The TAB approved a formal Resolution of Support for continuing development of the project design on February 13th, 2026.
    Project Fact Sheet Connecting Engstrom Road to Trunk Road, this project aims to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. Reconnaissance Engineering Report Read the reconnaissance-level study evaluating potential route alternatives for a future connector between Engstrom Road and Trunk Road. View Report View Fact Sheet View Report

    Upcoming Events Future Events Past Event Public Meeting #2 Date: TBD
    Location: TBD
    Public Meeting #3 Date: TBD
    Location: TBD
    Public Open House When:
    Wednesday, March 26
    5:30-7:30 PM

    Where:
    Mat-Su Central School
    2055 N. Stringfield Rd
    Palmer, AK 99645

    Engstrom to Trunk Connector Comment Form

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    Cole.Branham@matsugov.us FOLLOW US JOIN US CONTACT US Cole Branham MSB Projects Division Manager
    1-907-861-7711
    Kelsey Means, EIT HDL Public Involvement Coordinator
    1-907-564-2124
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