Granite Wins Final Phase of Major Parks Highway Reconstruction Project in Alaska
Granite has announced that it has been awarded the Parks Highway MP 315–325 Reconstruction project by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The new contract, valued at approximately $32 million, covers the reconstruction of the Parks Highway between construction mileposts 322 and 325 near Nenana, Alaska, and represents the second and final phase of the larger Parks Highway MP 319–325 CM/GC program that Granite has been helping deliver since 2022.
The Parks Highway is considered one of Alaska’s most important transportation corridors, serving as a vital route for both commercial freight and passenger travel across the state. The reconstruction project is designed to improve roadway safety, operational efficiency, and long-term infrastructure reliability for residents, businesses, and travelers who depend on the corridor every day. As traffic volumes and transportation demands continue to increase, the modernization of the highway has become a key infrastructure priority for Alaska DOT&PF.
The newly awarded phase involves extensive earthwork and roadway construction activities. Granite’s scope of work includes approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of excavation and embankment as well as the production and placement of nearly 22,000 tons of asphalt. To support efficient material production and delivery in the remote Alaskan environment, Granite will utilize a portable crusher and asphalt plant specifically mobilized for the project.
The reconstruction effort highlights the benefits of the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project delivery method, which emphasizes early collaboration between the owner, designer, and contractor during project planning and preconstruction phases. Through this process, Granite worked closely with Alaska DOT&PF and project partners to identify more efficient and cost-effective construction solutions before major field operations began.
One of the most significant achievements during the planning stage involved the strategic use of existing site materials and surplus material generated from the first phase of the program. By maximizing reuse opportunities, the project team was able to dramatically reduce the amount of imported gravel needed for construction. Original estimates called for approximately 50,000 tons of imported gravel; however, through collaborative engineering and material management strategies, that requirement was reduced to just 8,000 tons. This approach not only lowered project costs but also minimized trucking operations, reduced environmental impact, and improved overall construction efficiency.
Another innovative solution developed by the project team was the construction of a temporary crossing over the Parks Highway designed specifically for articulated haul units. This temporary crossing allows construction vehicles and material-hauling equipment to move safely and efficiently across the project area without disrupting public traffic. By separating construction hauling operations from the traveling public, the team eliminated the need for traditional traffic control operations that often cause delays and congestion in active work zones.
The solution is expected to significantly improve safety and traffic flow throughout construction while minimizing inconvenience to motorists traveling through the corridor. Maintaining uninterrupted movement along the highway is particularly important given the route’s importance to freight transportation, tourism, and regional connectivity within Alaska.
Jennifer Wright, Project Manager for Alaska DOT&PF, emphasized the importance of the project and praised the collaborative efforts behind its successful development. According to Wright, the reconstruction work will provide long-term transportation benefits while demonstrating the effectiveness of the CM/GC delivery model.
“We are very pleased to award the final segment of the Parks 315–325 project to Granite Construction,” Wright said. “This project will help improve safety and operations for goods and people moving through this critical corridor. The CM/GC process and the project team were key to delivering the project on time and within budget while minimizing planned impacts to the traveling public during construction.”
Granite officials also highlighted the project as an example of the company’s collaborative culture and infrastructure expertise. Marty Thurman, Granite Area Manager, stated that the project reflects Granite’s commitment to partnership-driven project execution and achieving the best possible outcomes for clients and communities.
“This project exemplifies Granite’s ‘One Team’ approach and our commitment to delivering best-for-project outcomes,” Thurman said. “Our strong partnership with Alaska DOT&PF, Michael Baker International, the designer of record, and Stanton Engineering Inc., the independent cost estimator, was instrumental during preconstruction and continues to drive success as we move into construction.”
The project also demonstrates Granite’s growing role in delivering complex transportation infrastructure projects across North America. The company has extensive experience working in challenging geographic and environmental conditions, including remote locations with limited access and harsh weather conditions. Alaska’s rugged terrain and short construction seasons require careful planning, logistical coordination, and specialized construction expertise, all of which play a critical role in the successful execution of highway infrastructure projects in the region.
Beyond improving roadway conditions, the Parks Highway reconstruction is expected to support economic activity throughout Alaska by enhancing transportation efficiency for commercial vehicles and reducing long-term maintenance requirements. Safer and more reliable transportation infrastructure is essential for supporting local communities, supply chains, tourism operations, and industrial development throughout the state.
As construction progresses on the final phase of the project, Granite and its project partners will continue focusing on safety, operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and minimizing disruptions to the traveling public. The collaborative approach established through the CM/GC process is expected to remain a key factor in ensuring the project is completed successfully and within schedule expectations.
With the award of this final segment, Granite further strengthens its position as a trusted infrastructure partner for major transportation projects while reinforcing its long-standing relationship with Alaska DOT&PF. The successful completion of the Parks Highway reconstruction program will represent an important milestone for both the company and the state’s broader infrastructure modernization efforts.
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