Construction season continues on the central peninsula as all four major road renovation projects in the area move forward on schedule.
On the Sterling Highway between Sterling and Cooper Landing, crews from Granite Construction are working to improve road conditions from Mile 58 to 79. Major renovations, including shoulder widening and culvert replacement, are taking place, so motorists should be aware of delays. Pilot car and flagging operations are in effect between Mile 69 and 73, as well as between Mile 65 and 67, near the Watson Lake area. Crews will be active in these areas from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Friday and Sunday nights. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.
During the day, crews are working between Mile 59 and 63 near the eastern end of Skilak Lake Road, as well as between Mile 69 and 71 near the Peterson Lake Campground. Motorists should be aware of flagging operations on this section of the highway.
Crews are paving between Mile 65 and 69 from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. every day, and there will be pilot car and flagging operations with delays of up to 20 minutes. As of Wednesday, paving will also be taking place between Mile 72 and 73 with similar delays.
Motorists should allow for 30 to 40 minutes of travel time through this stretch of the highway. In addition, poor visibility is expected between Mile 65 and 70 due to the proximity to the Swan Lake Fire. Construction is expected to continue through the season. For the latest information on this project, call 1-833-206-4717.
The other major construction project on the Sterling Highway is located between Mile 97 and 118, from Soldotna to Clam Gulch. Crews are still installing a large fish passage culvert at Crooked Creek and a temporary bridge has been placed to create a detour on Johnson Lake Loop Road.
Crews are currently working day and night between Mile 101 and 118. Motorists should be aware of possible delays and traffic restrictions at all times. This project is expected to be completed in October and includes shoulder widening and the installation of four large culverts at Slikok Tributary, Crooked Creek, Clam Gulch and Coal Creek. For the latest information on this project call 907-262-1042.
On the Kenai Spur Highway between Sports Lake and Swire Road from Mile 5 to 8, crews from the Department of Transportation and Wolverine Construction are converting the highway into five lanes and constructing a new pathway. Currently, crews are working off the highway from 8 a.m. to 7 pm., but motorists should be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the highway. Motorists should also expect pilot car and flagging operations with possible delays from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is a new traffic pattern on this section of the highway and reduced speed is advised. This project is expected to continue through the season. For the latest information on this project, call 907-262-0906.
Finally, crews are resurfacing the length of Beaver Loop Road in Kenai, as well as constructing turn lanes and a separated pedestrian pathway on the southern side of the road. Currently, crews are finishing up the surveying and clearing operations, and the next phase will involve relocating utility infrastructure to the northern side of the road. Project Engineer Jason Baxley said that they will likely hold off on any major work until the end of dip netting season on July 31 to mitigate any traffic delays. In addition, Baxley will be holding an open house on July 9 at his project office on Beaver Loop Road to discuss with the community the timeline of the project and answer any questions or concerns. Construction is expected to last through the season, and for the latest information on this project, call 907-242-4889.
For regular updates on all the road construction projects in Alaska, visit www.alaskanavigator.org.
