Public participation is running high as outdoor users weigh in during the comment period for the Safer Seward Highway Environmental Assessment (EA), with strong feedback from trail users and the rock-climbing community.
Project planners say recreation access has been a key focus of the proposed improvements along the Seward Highway corridor. According to details outlined in the EA, the project would upgrade and expand parking at trailheads without closing any existing trailheads. The plan also includes a separated multi-use path designed to connect with the popular Bird to Gird Trail, improving safety and continuity for cyclists and pedestrians.
Climbers have raised concerns about impacts to established routes. As proposed, the project would remove approximately 44 percent of existing rock-climbing routes. Project staff say the design attempts to balance impacts to Cook Inlet while limiting rock cuts on the opposite side of the highway.
Wildlife viewing is also addressed in the EA. A new wildlife viewing area at Windy Corner is proposed to provide a safer place for the public to observe Dall sheep without stopping along the roadway.
Transportation officials are encouraging continued public input to help refine the project. Comments can be submitted through the official project website at safersewardhighway.com.
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The project team thanked the community for its engagement, noting that feedback from recreationists is shaping how safety improvements can coexist with access to Alaska’s outdoors.
