Alaska's infrastructure bucket list: billions in construction projects waiting to happen.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: SPECIAL SECTION: Building Alaska

Generally, a "bucket list" is a collection of things to do before you die, but Alaska has too bright of a future for that. Instead, the projects listed here are generally good ideas that 1) require many years and almost unreal amounts of money, 2) may be implemented in parts, but not fully completed, or 3) may never even see a beginning. Every item on this list is the center of controversy stemming from environmental, cultural and monetary concerns, as well as doubts that the benefits of the finished projects will ever justify the range of tangible and intangible costs. Controversy aside, here's a brief glance at a few of the projects we Alaskans have been discussing for years.

Knik Arm Crossing

Where: Knik Arm, connecting the Port of Anchorage to Port MacKenzie

Cost: Estimated $650 million to $700 million

The Idea: Commuting is awful. The Glenn and Parks Highways are clogged twice daily with commuters going to and from work. The approximately 2.7 mile vehicular toll bridge would ease traffic and decrease driving time for some commuters.

Latest Update: The December 2012 the Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The ROD is necessary in order to obtain federal funding, permits, right-of-way acquisition, and begin construction.

Estimated Finish: 2016

Northern Rail Extension

Where: North Pole to Delta Junction

Cost: $650 million to $850 million (for all Phases)

The Idea: Railroads are good. Let's build an approximately 80 mile rail extension, including a bridge over the Tanana River. This project is part of an even larger proposal to connect Alaska and the Yukon with the North American Railroad system in British Columbia, starting at Delta Junction. The base construction cost for this international line was $7 billion, but adding in other costs raised that figure to $11 billion, or $7.2 million per mile. The Alaska segment of the line is necessary for the larger project, but does lose purpose or functionality if the remainder of the line is never completed.

Latest Update: The project is currently in Phase I, which includes the bridge, approach road and levee associated with the crossing of the Tanana River near Salcha. As of April 2012, the utility relocation had been completed, and the next step is to build up the north bank levee. Phases II, III and IV involve the actual rail extension.

Estimated Finish: Phase I-March 2014; Remaining Phases-Unknown, funding dependent.

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