George Parks Highway
The George Parks Highway serves as a vital artery in the Great Land, bridging the gap between the coast and the interior. Spanning 323 miles (520 km), this essential route connects the regions surrounding Anchorage to the city of Fairbanks, traversing some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the United States.
Originally known as the Anchorage-Fairbanks Highway upon its completion in 1971, the road was officially renamed in 1975. While it is technically designated as Interstate A-4, motorists will find it signed throughout its entire length as Alaska Route 3.
Key Facts
- Total Length: 323 miles (520 km).
- Primary Connection: Links the Glenn Highway (near Palmer) to the Richardson Highway in Fairbanks.
- Major Access: The principal gateway to Denali National Park and Preserve and Denali State Park.
- Naming: Named after George Alexander Parks, Governor of the Territory of Alaska (1925–1933).
- Maintenance: Managed by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF).
Route and Geography
The highway begins its journey 35 miles north of Anchorage at the junction with the Glenn Highway (AK-1) in Gateway. From there, it winds through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, largely paralleling the path of the Alaska Railroad. As it moves north, it passes through the boroughs of Matanuska-Susitna, Denali, and Fairbanks North Star.
One of the most critical intersections occurs in Cantwell, where the Parks Highway meets the Denali Highway (AK-8). The route eventually terminates in Fairbanks at its junction with the Richardson Highway (AK-2).
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Infrastructure and Standards
While much of the route consists of standard highway lanes, two specific sections are built to freeway standards (divided highways with controlled access). The first is located near the intersection with the Glenn Highway in Palmer. The second is the Robert J. Mitchell Expressway in Fairbanks, which facilitates the final connection to the Richardson Highway.
The Unique Milepost System
Travelers on the George Parks Highway may notice a peculiarity: the mileposts do not start at zero. Instead, the numbering begins at Mile 35 (km 56). This is because the highway continues the numbering sequence of the Glenn Highway.
The actual zero mile marker is located in downtown Anchorage at the intersection of East 5th Avenue and Gambell Street. Consequently, the mileposts along the Parks Highway indicate the total distance from Anchorage, despite the city not being located on the Parks Highway itself.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Designation | Alaska Route 3 / Interstate A-4 |
| Southern Terminus | AK-1 (Glenn Highway) in Gateway |
| Northern Terminus | AK-2 (Richardson Highway) in Fairbanks |
| Total Distance | 323 miles (520 km) |
| Completion Year | 1971 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the George Parks Highway named after?
Contrary to popular belief, the highway is not named after the parks it passes. It was named in honor of George Alexander Parks, who served as the governor of the Territory of Alaska from 1925 to 1933.
Why does the highway start at Mile 35?
The mileposts continue the sequence from the Glenn Highway. Since the Glenn Highway starts at Mile 0 in downtown Anchorage and meets the Parks Highway at Mile 35, the Parks Highway begins its numbering from that point to reflect the distance from Anchorage.
Which major parks are accessible via this route?
The George Parks Highway is the primary access road for both Denali National Park and Preserve as well as Denali State Park.
Is the George Parks Highway an Interstate?
Yes, it has an Interstate designation (A-4), but this is not signed on the road. It is exclusively signed as Alaska Route 3.
Where are the freeway sections of the highway located?
Freeway standards are applied to the section near the Glenn Highway intersection in Palmer and the Robert J. Mitchell Expressway in Fairbanks.