Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
04/15/2025 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB152 | |
| Presentation: State of Alaska Bridges | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 152 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 15, 2025
1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Löki Tobin, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Mike Shower
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 152
"An Act renaming Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 152 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PRESENTATION: STATE OF ALASKA BRIDGES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 152
SHORT TITLE: HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) CRONK
03/31/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/31/25 (S) TRA, STA
04/10/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/10/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/10/25 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/15/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 152.
LESLIE DAUGHERTY, Chief Bridge Engineer
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented State of Alaska Bridges.
NICHOLAS MURRAY, Senior Bridge Engineer
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented State of Alaska Bridges.
MICHAEL KNAPP, Statewide Hydraulics Engineer
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented State of Alaska Bridges.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:33:41 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Stedman, Kiehl, Tobin, and Chair Bjorkman.
Senator Shower arrived shortly thereafter.
SB 152-HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY
1:34:48 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
152 "An Act renaming Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport;
and providing for an effective date."
CHAIR BJORKMAN noted this is the second hearing of SB 152.
1:35:05 PM
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, said SB 152 renames the Ruby Airport after
Harold Esmailka, a treasured Alaskan. He stated that this would
honor Mr. Esmailka for his many contributions to the State of
Alaska.
1:35:45 PM
SENATOR SHOWER joined the meeting.
1:35:52 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 152.
1:36:11 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 152.
1:36:15 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
1:36:19 PM
SENATOR TOBIN moved to report [SB 152, work order 34-LS0813\N],
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
1:36:36 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 152 was reported from
the Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
1:36:49 PM
At ease.
^PRESENTATION: STATE OF ALASKA BRIDGES
PRESENTATION: STATE OF ALASKA BRIDGES
1:39:40 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
presentation, State of Alaska Bridges.
1:40:19 PM
LESLIE DAUGHERTY, Chief Bridge Engineer, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska,
introduced herself.
1:40:42 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 2 and gave an overview of
bridges in Alaska:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Bridges - Introduction
• Alaska Bridges
• 1,077 bridges total
• 864 bridges owned by DOTPF
• 98 culverts (greater than 20' long)
• 4 tunnels
• Average age is 39 years
Bridge Section
• Staff of 25 Structural, Hydraulics, and
Foundations
• Design
• Inspection
[Slide 2 contains a bar chart showing bridge
age/number of bridges.]
MS. DAUGHERTY said that in the early 1990s, bridge design life
changed from roughly 50 years to 75 years.
1:42:00 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked whether this includes foot bridges or
pedestrian overpasses.
1:42:12 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied no. She clarified that this presentation
is focused on vehicular bridges (not including railroad bridges
or pedestrian bridges). She said pedestrian bridges are
considered minor structures and are inspected by DOTPF and in
DOTPF's inventory if they fall within DOTPF's right-of-way. She
added that pedestrian bridges fall under national bridge
inspection standards if they cross over or under a roadway and
offered an example.
1:42:56 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY continued her discussion of slide 2:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Bridges - Introduction
• Alaska Bridges
• 1,077 bridges total
• 864 bridges owned by DOTPF
• 98 culverts (greater than 20' long)
• 4 tunnels
• Average age is 39 years
Bridge Section
• Staff of 25 Structural, Hydraulics, and
Foundations
• Design
• Inspection
[Slide 2 contains a bar chart showing bridge
age/number of bridges.]
MS. DAUGHERTY briefly described the bridge inspection frequency.
1:43:57 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 3 and discussed the ASCE Report
Card:
[Original punctuation provided.]
ASCE Report Card
Bridge Grade B+
• "Alaska has 1,685 bridges, the majority of which
are less than 50 years old, making them newer
than bridges in most other states. While less
than 7 percent of Alaska's state and local
bridges are rated in poor condition, the critical
and economical time to maintain this key
infrastructure is before problems arise. Alaska
is at the forefront of seismic bridge design
research and implementation and is a national
leader when it comes to innovative bridge
inspection techniques."
• As context, 8.2 percent of bridges were in poor
condition ("structurally deficient") in 2021
report card
Consider:
• ASCE includes 600 federal bridges that aren't
typical public roads
• ASCE relies on volunteers to gather data, write
report ASCE REPORT CARD
ASCE: American Society of Civil Engineers
Source: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-
item/alaska/
MS. DAUGHERTY disclosed that she was an author of the American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card in 2017 and 2021.
She is no longer on that committee. She noted that the 1,685
bridges referenced includes federal bridges. Alaska is unique in
the number of federal bridges - around 600, owned by various
entities. These are typically limited use bridges. The number of
"poor" bridges has decreased to 6.7 percent (this includes state
and local bridges only). National Highway System (NHS) "poor"
bridges are at 5.1 percent.
1:46:11 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN pointed out that Alaska's bridges have a B+ ASCE
grade while roads have a C-. He asked for insight on how this
might be improved.
1:46:39 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY commented that Alaska has a large road system;
however, there are few bridges compared to other states. She
pointed out that Texas has 50,000 bridges, while Alaska has
1,000. She suggested that it may be easier to maintain the small
number of bridges compared to the expansive road system. She
said she would provide additional insight after conferring with
others in both departments.
1:47:16 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked for a general estimation of the overall
status of Alaska's bridges.
1:47:51 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied that, while there are fewer bridges in
poor condition, some concerns remain. This includes stalled
projects. She opined that, if bridges are deprioritized, the
number of poor bridges would increase. She shared an analogy of
a vehicle oil change to illustrate the need for continued
upkeep.
1:48:42 PM
MICHAEL KNAPP, Statewide Hydraulics Engineer, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska,
said that from a hydraulics perspective, the practice is to
favor deep foundations and bank protection. He opined that the
current practice is favorable.
1:49:23 PM
NICHOLAS MURRAY, Senior Bridge Engineer, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska,
said that having a relatively low number of bridges allows
Alaska to be nimble. He opined that Alaska's bridges are in good
shape; however, there are unique challenges to address.
1:50:24 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked whether railroad bridges are included.
1:50:46 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied no. She clarified that DOTPF does not deal
with railroad bridges unless they travel over or under a DOTPF
roadway (in this case, DOTPF performs structural inspections).
1:51:06 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 4 and discussed successes:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Successes
• What Alaska does right
• Cradle to grave approach
• National leaders
• American Association State Highway
Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
• National Academy of Science
• Research - $1.5 million annual for seismic and/or
cold region bridge behavior
• Partnerships with national experts, universities
• Extreme event response
• Drones (UAS) inspections
• Starlink/TEAMS
• Innovation and Implementation
• ABC (accelerated bridge construction)
• Alternative procurement
MS. DAUGHERTY said Alaska's climate makes research necessary.
She shared an example of research that is evaluating the use of
artificial intelligence (AI) for rapid assessments after
earthquakes.
1:53:17 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 5 and discussed challenges:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Challenges
• Where we can improve
• Greater focus on preserving/maintaining
• Bridge emergency funds
• Discuss establishing a maximum GVW for legal
loads
• Bridge strike elimination replace trusses like
Gerstle Bridge
[Slide 5 contains a bar chart illustrating the number
of bridge strikes per year from 2012-2024.]
MS. DAUGHERTY said DOTPF has been working on an asset management
plan. She explained that it is difficult to create a
deterioration model given Alaska's size and climate variability.
She said it is difficult to obtain emergency funding. This
cannot be added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan
(STIP) as the information is not available in advance. She noted
one bridge strike to date in 2025.
1:55:26 PM
MR. KNAPP advanced to slide 6 and discussed hydraulics:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Hydraulics
The job of DOTPF Hydraulics staff is to know Alaska's
rivers and creeks and how they interact with
infrastructure.
HYDROLOGY How much water should we expect?
HYDRAULICS How should we manage that water?
• Floods
• Bridge Scour
• Ice
• Navigation
• Environmental Regulations (e.g., fish passage)
MR. KNAPP briefly discussed the various areas of expertise
within the Bridges Section of DOTPF: geotechnical engineering,
structural engineering, and hydraulics). He explained that
bridge scour refers to erosion on the underside of bridges.
1:58:13 PM
MR. KNAPP advanced to slide 7 and continued to discuss
hydraulics:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Hydraulics
Statewide Hydraulics
• Bridge Hydraulics
• Inspection Support
• Policy and Standards Recommendations
Regional Hydraulics
• Culverts and Fish Passage
• Roadside Drainage
• Storm Sewer Systems
• Stormwater Management
• Revetments
MR. KNAPP briefly explained that large projects are managed by
the statewide hydraulics office. This includes bridge
management, bridge inspection (specifically, water related
issues), and bank protections.
2:00:08 PM
MR. KNAPP advanced to slide 8 and continued discussing
hydraulics:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Hydraulics
State-Federal Collaborations
• State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) Need
IDs 6450, 6455, and 12579
• Joint-Funding Agreements with the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS)
• https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-
center/science/streambed-scourbridges-Alaska
MR. KNAPP said STIP Need ID 6450 supports stream gaging; the
resulting data is used in regression equations. STIP Need ID
6455 supports hydrologic studies, which is highly useful in
emergency events. STIP Need ID 12579 supports the scour program,
which provides real-time scour conditions.
2:02:42 PM
MR. KNAPP directed attention to the following images on slide 8:
• Upper right: Susitna River bridge on the Denali
Highway
• Lower Right: Anchor River on Old Sterling Highway
• Left: USGS tools available for DOTPF assistance
2:04:03 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked the status of the partnership with USGS.
2:04:22 PM
MR. KNAPP shared his understanding that the scour program
funding was secure; however, he did not know the status of the
other joint funding agreements.
2:04:49 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked about hydraulic bridge adjustments.
2:05:23 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY said those might be seismic retrofit systems
within the bridge that help in the event of an earthquake.
2:05:45 PM
MR. MURRAY explained that these are machine hydraulic "dampers"
which absorb and redistribute energy when the bridge begins to
shake.
2:06:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked how often the dampers require maintenance.
2:06:14 PM
MR. MURRAY replied that the dampers require regular maintenance.
He said very few bridges in Alaska have that type of active
system; DOTPF has avoided using them because of the high level
of maintenance they require. He offered examples of the issues
that can arise and said these systems tend to work well in more
temperate regions.
2:07:07 PM
MR. KNAPP advanced to slide 9 and continued discussing
hydraulics:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Hydraulics
Challenges
• Wild rivers that move (up, down, and side-to-
side)
• Travel logistics
• Limited data, sometimes
• Analytical tools cannot address every natural
phenomenon
2:08:35 PM
MR. MURRAY advanced to slide 10 and discussed the Juneau Creek
Bridge project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Juneau Creek Bridge
• Contract Amount: $151,327,688
• Contractor: Traylor/QAP Joint
• Contract Completion Date: June 30, 2028
• Bridge Length: 928 ft
• Venture Main Span Length: 440 ft
• Bridge Width: 63.5 ft
• Designed in-house by DOTPF Engineers
MR. MURRAY emphasized that this is a significant structure over
a deep gully.
2:10:38 PM
MR. MURRAY advanced to slide 11 and continued discussing the
Juneau Creek Bridge project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Juneau Creek Bridge
• Structural steel fabricated outside of Phoenix,
Arizona
• Trucked from Arizona to the Port of Long
Beach, CA
• Barged from Long Beach, CA to Seward, AK
(ETA June 2025)
• 45 individual segments, each ~100 ft
• 6.75 million lbs. of structural steel
• 1.12 million lbs. of reinforcing steel (rebar)
• 16.7 million lbs. of concrete
• 30,000 bolts
Less than half the bridge assembled in AZ
MR. MURRAY briefly explained the fabrication process. The bridge
is partially built in Arizona, to verify fit. It is then
disassembled and reassembled upon arrival. He emphasized the
large size of the bridge.
2:11:51 PM
MR. MURRAY advanced to slide 12 and continued discussing the
Juneau Creek Bridge:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Juneau Creek Bridge
• Steel will be completely assembled at one end of
the bridge and slowly pushed (launched) across
the canyon
• Will be the longest launched bridge in North
America
• Launching expected in August 2026
2:12:58 PM
MR. MURRAY advanced to slide 13 and discussed the Yukon River
Bridge:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Yukon River Bridge
• Constructed in 1975 as part of TAPS
• Timber decking was used as an interim wearing
surface
• Multiple replacements have been tested but
nothing so far has stood to heavy truck
traffic
• The bridge was not designed for any
additional load (concrete, asphalt, etc.)
• Sees lots of heavy traffic - 60 percent trucks
• Bridge is on steep 6 percent grade
2:14:21 PM
MR. MURRAY advanced to slide 14 and continued discussing the
Yukon River Bridge:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Yukon River Bridge
• Wearing surface was last replaced in 2011 and has
significant deterioration and wear causing less
than ideal conditions for heavy truck traffic
• ~4,500 16-ft long pieces of timber required for
redecking
• Material will be state-furnished to expedite
construction and ensure decking can be replaced
in 2025
• Anticipated advertisement by mid-May 2025
• Estimated construction cost ~$3-4 million
2:15:40 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked for clarification that DOTPF would be
seeking 4,500 pieces of lumber for summer 2025 construction.
2:15:51 PM
MR. MURRAY replied yes. He explained that this portion of the
project is a separate contract and is already out for bids. The
second contract is for installation.
2:16:14 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked if DOTPF is seeking the lumber from in-
state suppliers.
MR. MURRAY replied that he is uncertain whether this was
specified. He shared his understanding that no lumber mills in
the state can offer the quantity and grade requested.
2:16:41 PM
MR. MURRAY advanced to slide 15 and discussed polyester concrete
overlays:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Polyester Concrete Overlays
Bridge Projects include Knik River Bridges, Copper
River Bridges/Sterling Highway, Cripple Creek in
Fairbanks
• First Alaska project in 2008
• 30+ year life
• Fully waterproof
MR. MURRAY explained that this is an epoxy overlay that requires
a thin application but is effective.
2:17:56 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 16
[Original punctuation provided.]
Rabbit Creek POC (Anchorage)
Replacement of roof slated for end of summer 2025
• Draft plan review in progress
• Tentative advertising date anticipated within a
week
[Slide 16 also contains a diagram of the POC.]
MS. DAUGHERTY explained that the roof of the Rabbit Creek POC
blew off in an extreme wind event in January 2025. While it was
designed to code, the previous code requirements did not meet
current standards. She said the project is in the final design
stages and would likely go out to bid in May.
2:18:42 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 17 and discussed the Ketchikan
viaducts. Slide 17 contains preliminary imagery of the project,
with sections labeled. She explained that this is two structures
that together make up 3,351 feet long, making it the longest
bridge in the state. She gave a brief overview of the history of
use and repair of the Ketchikan viaducts. She expressed concern,
as this bridge has come to the end of its design life with no
funding available to replace the bridge. She noted discussions
with the Ketchikan Native community that could provide use of
tribal transportation funds from the Federal Highway
Administration. She briefly explained the planned updates.
2:20:06 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 18 and discussed bridge axle
loading:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Bridge Axle Loading
• Bridge Loading is related to axle weights and
spacings, not Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
• Bridges are not designed or analyzed for GVW
• Short bridges may not see all of truck load if it
is spread out
• Long span bridges see more of truck weight
MS. DAUGHERTY said that bridge axle loading could have impact on
the entirety of Alaska's highway system. She said that,
according to federal law, Alaska is exempt from maximum gross
vehicle weight. She emphasized that the manner of weight
distribution is important. Slide 18 contains images to
illustrate how different weight distributions can impact a
bridge. She briefly discussed these.
2:21:15 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 19 and continued to discuss
bridge loading.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Bridge Loading Example
Bridge Loading is comparable to airplane loading where
distribution of loads is what keeps airplanes stable.
[Slide 19 contains two images titled, "weight and
balance" and "establishing a balance."]
2:21:53 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 20 and continued to discuss load
distribution:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Load Distribution
• Legal loads are route and configuration dependent
• Historically, permitted loads have exceeded
400,000 lbs. GVW
• Based on axle weight and spacing, by federal law,
we must restrict any loads over "operating limit"
- maximum safe load (23 CFR 650.305)
• Permits are granted based on operating limit
because loads are known and analyzed; more
enforcement available
2:22:49 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 21 and discussed ore hauls:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Ore Hauls
• FHWA requiring a new method of load rating and
posting for Long Combination Vehicles (LCV),
study expected 2025
• About 65 percent of Alaska's bridges predate
federal exemption from 80,000 lb. maximum GVW (23
CFR 658 App C)
• Given old/aging infrastructure, DOTPF is likely
to load post more bridges
• Non-divisible loads above legal can still get a
permit if the bridges can handle the loads
• Bridge inspections have increased to ensure
safety due to ore haul and other locations due to
new federal regulations
MS. DAUGHERTY explained that two summers ago, an ore haul began
between Tok and Fairbanks. A new truck was designed that took
advantage of Alaska's exemption from the federal maximum for
gross vehicle weight. (This truck does comply with axel weight
and spacing requirements.) Shortly thereafter, an FHA audit
determined that there was a potential for even bigger - and
heavier - trucks in Alaska and FHA required proof that Alaska's
analysis and load posting practices were acceptable. DOTPF is
currently preparing the requested data for FHA. She surmised
that, as a result, load posting will be required for more
bridges. She said that load posting limitations could
potentially hurt commerce because it restricts all trucks
carrying a certain load weight but does not take into account
the load distribution.
2:24:15 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if DOTPF could offer permits to encourage
trucks with a sensible load, thereby discouraging others.
2:24:44 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied that the bridge office does not have
regulatory authority. Once the load study is released, DOTPF
will have discussions with the Alaska Trucking Association (ATA)
along with DOTPF's Weights and Measures Section. She suggested
that it could become a legislative issue. She stated that the
federal exemption makes regulation difficult.
2:25:22 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN commented that no one wants the bridges to
collapse, and it is important that people be able to move loads
between locations in a sensible way. He asked if DOTPF needs
more capacity to regulate traffic across bridges in order to
maximize the aforementioned goal.
2:25:58 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied that a gross vehicle weight maximum would
create a guideline for all trucks. She suggested that this might
not be the best approach (as illustrated in her discussion of
vehicle weight distribution); however, it would be helpful. She
added that trucks could apply for a permit for loads that are
not divisible. She explained that divisible loads are not
permittable.
2:26:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if the tool that would create a gross
vehicle weight maximum is a federal tool.
2:26:51 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied that it could be federal or state.
2:26:56 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY advanced to slide 22 and discussed bridge
resources:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Bridge Resources
• National Bridge Inspection Data including
performance history and forecasts:
https://infobridge.fhwa.dot.gov/Data
• Alaska's bridges with condition ratings:
https://gis.data.alaska.gov/datasets/AKDOT:bridge
s-akdot1/explore
MS. DAUGHERTY explained that these resources allow Alaskans to
look up information on bridges in their area. The first is a
federal database with bridge inspection and projection
information. The second link is Alaska's Geographical
Information System (GIS) website, which provides information on
the condition (e.g. good/fair/poor) of each bridge in the state.
2:28:34 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked about the Port Mackenzie access road and
the proposed multimodal solution (which would include railroad
and bridge). He questioned how this would work, since railroads
are not part of DOTPF.
2:29:06 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied that it could be a joint use agreement, or
one entity could take ownership and inspections would be worked
out between the two entities. She surmised that Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) has its own set of criteria. This would be
done through the Commissioner's office.
SENATOR SHOWER indicated that he would look into this further.
2:29:55 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN said that gaps and drops can develop on bridges,
and this can cause vehicle damage. He asked if DOTPF should
change its approach in order to avoid this.
2:30:37 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY replied that newer bridges have approach slabs,
which can help with this. She briefly explained how soil settles
and can cause a gap, and the approach slap provides a transition
and alleviates the bumps. Not all bridges have approach slabs.
Approach slabs can be added to bridges when retrofit funds are
available; however, this work is always added to an existing
project. She said if there is a particular bridge of concern,
this can be evaluated to determine whether an approach slab can
be added.
2:31:54 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN noted two bridges in his district have this
issue: the Warren Ames Memorial Bridge and the Kenai River
Bridge.
2:32:23 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY shared her understanding that the Kenai River
Bridge is receiving a polyester concrete overlay in the summer
of 2025; the differential heights should be evaluated at that
time. She indicated that she would follow up with this issue.
2:32:40 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked about the different bridge construction
materials and whether there is an industry standard.
2:33:11 PM
MR. MURRAY said there are many options. He briefly explained
some of those options. The cost/benefit is considered. He said
remoteness, a short construction season, and cost of materials
guide the methods and products used. He offered examples to
illustrate how these conditions impact projects and materials
used.
2:34:47 PM
SENATOR SHOWER described a long, flat bridge in Anchorage that
has a large bump. He said many accidents occur on that bridge.
He asked to add this bridge to the list to evaluate for a
potential approach slab.
2:35:23 PM
MS. DAUGHERTY said that bridge is also receiving a polyester
concrete overlay this summer. Ruts will also be removed at that
time.
2:35:31 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN thanked the presenters. He noted that they have
the skills, tools, and abilities to deal with the various
details. He commented that he is happy to discuss the different
aspects and ensure that work is done effectively the first time.
2:36:42 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 2:36 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 04152025 Sen Trans Bridges FINAL.pdf |
STRA 4/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
State of Alaska's Bridges |
| DOT addnl info for questions on 20250415.pdf |
STRA 4/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
State of Alaska's Bridges |