PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Sargent Creek and Russian River Bridges PEL Study has two distinct elements. The first includes hydrologic, geotechnical, and environmental studies to identify current conditions and erosion issues, map wetlands in the study vicinity, and identify the location for the bridge footings. The second element is the PEL study itself, in which the study team works with stakeholders to develop a Purpose and Need Statement, identify PEL study objectives and goals, and draft a screening process and screening criteria to consider in alternative evaluation, which may include alternative bridge locations and/or upstream channel management and mitigation strategies.

The Kodiak PEL will be developed in four phases (as outlined below), and stakeholder engagement is key to developing reasonable solutions that can be moved forward to develop a subsequent NEPA environmental review document.

Kodiak Sargent Creek and Russian River Bridges Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study, AKA Kodiak PEL, Public Open House Recap

On November 4, 2025, DOT&PF hosted the first public open house for the Kodiak Sargent Creek and Russian River Bridges Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study, also known as Kodiak PEL.

The event introduced the study and provided an opportunity to:

Learn about the project
Meet the project team
Discuss needed improvements
Review and comment on the Draft Purpose & Need
Review and comment on the Draft Alternative Screening Criteria

We are now in the comment period. Comments on the draft Purpose & Need and Screening Criteria are requested by December 5, 2025.

View documents and open house materials.

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Study Status

The Kodiak PEL study has just kicked off! The team is busy behind the scenes gearing up for the first public event. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know and be notified of status updates. Click on the drop-down titles below the project schedule image to learn more about each phase.

Phase 1

Study Introduction and Data Gathering

(Summer 2025 – Early 2026)

Collect baseline environmental information (including wetlands mapping, hydrological, right-of-way. and fish and wildlife studies) and begin working with stakeholders to inform them about the PEL study and begin identifying concerns and opportunities within the PEL study area. This information will shape the Kodiak PEL’s draft purpose and need statement and begin to identify preliminary alternatives that address identified needs and problems.

Phase 2

Alternative Identification and Screening

(Early 2026 – Fall 2026)

Working with stakeholders, the team will detail social, environmental, economic, and other factors influencing any proposed project development, including research into historic and archaeological sites in the study area. Stakeholders will also help identify other potential improvements within the bridge corridor that could address previously identified issues. Multiple potential alternatives will be identified and screening criteria developed to narrow down the range or proposed solutions. Stakeholders will be actively engaged throughout this phase, providing input on issues, opportunities, challenges, and alternative solutions.

Phase 3

Draft PEL Study

(Fall 2026)

Development and review of the draft PEL study document. Working with stakeholders, the team will refine engineering and alternatives to identify a recommended solution that can be carried forward to a future environmental review and preliminary design phase of a project. Stakeholders will be asked to provide comments on the draft PEL study and refined alternative prior to DOT&PF approval of the final PEL study.

Phase 4

Final PEL Study and Recommendations

(Winter 2026)

We will work to address all the feedback collected in the draft PEL study outreach, integrate closing thoughts and progress the study to a final stage. This will include design alternative recommendations (likely multiple) that can be used as a launching point for the subsequent projects, including environmental planning, design, and construction.

This planning document may be adopted in a subsequent environmental review process in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 168 Integration of Planning and Environmental Review.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 13, 2023, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.