Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities had the privilege of hosting the AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures (COBS) – Safety & Evaluation and Asset Management Technical Committees this past week.
Over the course of three days in Anchorage, we welcomed State bridge leaders from across the country — representing about 25 states. The group included state bridge engineers, bridge management officials, design leaders, and other experts and friends of the committee who form the backbone of our nation’s bridge community. The meetings were centered around bridge evaluation and asset management — a great opportunity to share ideas, compare challenges, and discuss how different states are addressing similar issues in maintaining and managing bridge infrastructure.
We were fortunate with perfect fall weather for our field tour down the Seward Highway to the Juneau Creek Bridge project, now under construction. Along the way, we stopped at several bridge sites to see past and active work zones in preparations for next year’s bridge launch. It was an honor to play host and showcase some of Alaska’s unique conditions — from our remote project locations and need for accelerated bridge construction (out of necessity, not preference) to our cold-weather design environment, earthquake hazards, and liquefiable soils. We also shared how Alaska responds to emergencies, including live-streamed bridge inspections following recent flooding and typhoon impacts in Western Alaska.
Beyond the committee meetings, it was great to connect personally with colleagues and friends — many visiting Alaska for the first time — to share stories, exchange ideas, and enjoy a few evenings of conversation about bridges, programs, and experiences from across the country.
📸 Below are a few photos from the tour and field visit to Juneau Creek Bridge
