The State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities this month released its projected slate of 2025 construction projects, including 20 on the Kenai Peninsula.
Most of the projects involve work to major highways, including the Sterling, Seward and Kenai Spur highways.
Projects described as continuing from previous years include the major Cooper Landing Bypass Project, rehabilitation of the Seward Highway near Girdwood and between Moose Pass and Seward, and improvements to the Homer Airport.
New this year are projects including pavement work on Anchor Point Road, repairs to Hope Highway and Kachemak Drive, construction of a walkway along the bank of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Ridge, renovation of the parking lot on Bridge Access Road, and a slew of pavement preservation and other maintenance across local highways.
The map describes work scheduled for several major projects including the expansion of the Kenai Spur Highway, design for the Sterling Safety Corridor Improvements, and reconstruction of the Sterling Highway between Anchor Point and Baycrest Hill.
Some of those projects are labeled as being advertised later in the season and possibly only to see “preliminary construction” this year. Some projects, like the Kenai Spur Highway expansion, have repeatedly been included as a project to get underway.
A release from the department says that the state is expecting to award $900 million in construction contracts this year, “an increase from previous years.” Although that will make for “a strong season,” the department in the release acknowledges rising prices, supply chain shortages, questions around federal funding and other hurdles.
Difficulties with acquiring materials compliant with some federal funding requirements have caused or may continue to cause significant delays to the Kenai Spur Highway, Sterling Highway Safety Corridor and Sterling Highway Anchor Point to Baycrest Hill projects, according to the release.
For more information about 2025 construction projects, visit dot.alaska.gov.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
