Shaw Elementary Access Improvements
Open House
The Mat-Su Borough invites you to view upcoming construction plans, talk to the project team, and provide feedback.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Shaw Elementary School, 3750 E Paradise Lane
Zoom option: https://bit.ly/ShawElemOpenHouse
Phone audio only: 1-253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 896 5083 2680, Code: 620003
Description
This project will construct access improvements to and from Shaw Elementary and Birchtree Charter school. It will also complete the connection between Foxtrot Avenue and Paradise Lane. This project was approved by voters as part of the bond package in 2021 (TIP 21) and again in 2024 (TIP24).
Design
The new Phase 1 Foxtrot connection would build a new section of road as well as upgrade the existing Paradise Lane to the minor collector design standards with 11 feet wide lanes and two feet wide paved shoulders. A 10 feet wide paved pathway is proposed on the southside of the roadway with a minimum of 10 feet of separation, see the typical cross section graphic below. Turn lanes into Shaw Elementary and Birchtree Charter school are being evaluated as part of the design process.
Phase 2A would construct a roundabout at the intersection at Paradise Lane and Wasilla Fishhook to reduce safety and traffic concerns.
Phase 2B would upgrade the remainder of Foxtrot to the same standards as Phase 1 and would include a pathway. Traffics studies are in progress with turn lanes being considered at Charley and Foxtrot.
Minimal property impacts are anticipated for Phase 1 because the connection is along a section line easement and on borough property. Numerous potential impacts are possible in Phase 2B along the existing Foxtrot Avenue; however, the full extents have not yet been identified.
Benefits
The purpose of the project is to reduce school traffic congestion and increase safety for students, parents, staff, and the traveling public.
Cost
Estimated total cost: $12,000,000.
Schedule
Phase 1 will go out to bid this spring for construction this summer, concurrent with construction of the new Birchtree Charter school. Phase 2 construction is anticipated in 2027 or 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The project cost is based on an estimate for design, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, and construction. The design is preliminary, and the estimate will be updated along with the design.
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Initial outreach was during the 2021 Mat-Su Borough budget process. The project is shown on the Official Streets and Highways Plan and aligns with a public section line easement. The Mat-Su Transportation Fair provided annual updates. The team sent project notices with open house invitations to area residents, property owners, agencies and elected officials.
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Yes, there is a proposed pathway on the south side.
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Some students in the Foxtrot area do go to Shaw Elementary. The new Birchtree Charter school may attract additional students. It is unknown at this time if the school boundaries will change.
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The end of Foxtrot is a temporary turnaround for use until the connection is constructed according to the Official Streets and Highways Plan.
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The project team is working on traffic impact analysis and appropriate interim traffic demand strategies between Phases 1 and 2 and for after Phase 2. We are evaluating alternatives to mitigate impacts between phases.
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No, speed bumps are not included. The proposed posted speed for the connection between Paradise and Foxtrot is 25 miles per hour.
Project team
Andrew Strahler
Civil Construction Project Manager, Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Andrew.Strahler@matsugov.us, 907-861-7710
Donald Jourdian
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Donald.Jourdian@matsugov.us
Sam Tyler
Transportation Engineer, DOWL
Styler@dowl.com
Camden Yehle
Public Involvement Lead, Yehle & Associates
Camden@yehlealaska.com, 907-346-0506