The federal government is providing $108.7 million to Alaska to replace two aging bridges along the Alaska Highway, a major route that links Interior communities with Canada and the rest of the state.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the funding for the Johnson River and Gerstle River bridge replacement project, describing it as the administration’s first step in addressing worn-out bridge infrastructure.
“The Trump Administration cares about American families in every corner of our great country,” Duffy said in a news release. “That’s why this administration’s first investment into rebuilding our nation’s crumbling bridge infrastructure will go towards rebuilding the Johnson and Gerstle River bridges. Alaskans rely on this critical infrastructure to commute to work, access medical care, and connect to their communities.”
The funding will be distributed to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities through the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. The two bridges are located in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area and sit on the main overland route into Alaska from Canada. Both currently have weight limits that restrict heavier vehicles.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said replacing the bridges is especially important for communities in the Interior.
“On behalf of the State of Alaska, I want to thank Secretary Duffy and the Trump Administration for funding the Johnson River and Gerstle River Bundled Bridge Replacement Project,” Dunleavy said. “This critical investment strengthens our transportation infrastructure, enhances safety for Alaskans, and supports economic growth across the interior part of our state.”
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said the project is part of a larger effort to strengthen Alaska’s infrastructure network.
“I often say Alaska is resource-rich but infrastructure-poor, and that reality is exactly why building out our infrastructure to unlock Alaska’s full potential has long been one of my top priorities,” Sullivan said. He added that strengthening the corridor will “enhance our military readiness in the Interior, and ensure safer, more reliable connectivity for the Alaskans who depend on this transportation route every day.”
U.S. Rep. Nick Begich pointed to the importance of the corridor for freight movement and supply chains.
“The Johnson and Gerstle River bridges are a vital link in Alaska’s transportation network,” Begich said. “Investing in their replacement will mean greater reliability and stronger supply chains along the Alaska Highway.”
Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster said the investment is part of a nationwide effort to modernize aging bridges.
“One bridge at a time, we are helping to ensure that Americans have safe and reliable infrastructure,” McMaster said. “The Trump Administration is investing $108 million to rebuild this critical bridge project to secure the vital supply chains of the Alaska Highway.”
The Bridge Investment Program focuses on repairing or replacing bridges in poor condition and updating older structures to meet current design standards. Large project grants are set aside for bridge efforts costing more than $100 million.
When the new bridges are finished, the route will no longer have those two weight-restricted crossings, improving reliability along a highway that supports daily travel, freight movement and military activity.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
