GARS Interchange Listed in Top 10 Roads of 2024

The new interchange at the intersection of Gaffney Road/Airport Way/Richardson Highway/Steese Expressway (GARS) earned a listing in Roads and Bridges Magazine as one of the Top 10 Roads for 2024. It was designed by HDR Engineering and built by HC Contractors.

The new interchange model – a hybrid of a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) and a Median U-Turn (MUT) – had never been used before in Alaska and it dramatically improved traffic flow and safety.

For drivers, getting used to a very different traffic configuration takes time. GARS’ unique design immediately inspired local residents to write creative and humorous reviews of their new driving experiences, earning the intersection a notation on Google maps as a new tourist attraction for the city!

“Anytime you construct something of this nature, people will love it or hate it,” said Travis Malin, HC Contractors General Manager. “The design seems like spaghetti noodles, with lanes going every which direction. I was skeptical myself at first, but it works. You never sit more than a minute, no matter where you are or where you enter the intersection.”

The project was initially scheduled to be built within two years, but with strategic phasing HC Contractors was able to complete GARS a year ahead of schedule. “It was one of the most challenging jobs to construct because one of the requirements was that traffic had to run through at all times on a paved service,” said Travis. “We really had to think about how to navigate and maneuver people around the project while we were constructing.” And it’s not just the dirt work that needed finessing. “You can’t install just half of the electrical components or half of a storm drain system at a time. You have to look at the phasing carefully to install these complete systems while maintaining access to the public.”

Technology plays a key role in that planning and implementation of the project design. HC Contractors uses GPS, 3D modeling, and 3D laser systems on its projects to improve efficiencies and accuracy, down to the millimeter. On the GARS project, 3D models were used for a variety of functions in the field, from excavation to grade checking and curb construction.

Angie Kuykendall, project superintendent, and Cammy Hyde, traffic control supervisor, were instrumental to the project’s success, said Travis. Angie is an award winning 35-year veteran of the construction industry who has worked at HC Contractors for four years.

During her career, Angie has seen the tremendous benefit new technology plays, but she credits her team for the GARS project’s ultimate success. “Even with all the technology currently available, nothing is more valuable than a talented and experienced team. I had the good fortune of working with one on this project. They were always communicating and willing to help out wherever necessary to make the project a success.”