The State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities initiated a multi-phased project to identify and evaluate the state’s historic roads. Our historians developed a historic context and an evaluation methodology to address Alaska’s geography and climate and the unique challenges presented by these factors related to road development statewide.
The historic context addressed roads in the state from 1886 to the present. This context explored the social, cultural, and political events that shaped road design, construction and development techniques and standards. The project included the development of National Register of Historic Places evaluation criteria tailored to roads in Alaska. An innovative screening methodology was part of this effort to assist in early identification of potentially eligible roads. The project culminated in field survey and extensive research to complete a determination of eligibility for the 154-mile-long Elliott Highway.
