The Tundra Ridge Road in Bethel is now open for use as of October 4, 2024. It is the road that begins (or ends) at the BIA Road and goes all the way to the Tundra Ridge subdivision – thus completing the loop around Bethel.
Road weary Bethel commuters now are able to take a shorter drive to Tundra Ridge, Uivik Subdivision, and to Bethel Heights via the Tundra Ridge Road instead of driving all the way around on the state highway, Ridgecrest Drive and Ptarmigan Street. Folks can also access the H-Marker Lake subdivision with the newly opened road, which is very nice.
“Finally,” wrote a Bethel resident. “Quyana to the road crew.”
In the winter months, drivers were able to drive over H-Marker Lake.
Construction to re-opening the road was completed this summer and fall on improvements for better drainage and fish passages as well as improved safety and reduced emergency response travel time.
There is also a new trail crossing sign where the historic Atmautluak Trail crosses the road, which is also known as the Polk Road.
“The purpose of the project is to improve driving conditions, improve traffic circulation, improve emergency response times, decrease maintenance costs, and decrease transportation costs for residents and business owners,” says the construction project overview.
