Soldotna is set to have a productive summer, with a variety of construction projects aimed at improving drinking water availability, walking trails and roadways through out the city.
City Engineer Kyle Kornelis said many projects are on schedule with the help of some fair, early-spring weather.
Kornelis said he is pleased with how things are moving forward thus far. The community has been very accommodating in response to the traffic backups on Binkley Street, a result of shutting down one of the busiest areas in town, he said.
The city is currently reconstructing the set-up of Binkley Street to help with traffic congestion by installing three roundabouts.
The project is on schedule. Asphalt is currently being removed south of the Redoubt Avenue intersection, and sidewalks and roundabout islands are being set. The Wilson Street roundabout, the first of three to be installed, will be operational by early June.
The street curbs are installed for the Sterling Street road improvements, and all underground utility work is completed. Workers are prepping for sidewalk installation and cleaning up back slopes. Paving should be completed shortly afterward. The project is projected to be completed mid-June.
Workers on Riverside Drive are currently laying down topsoil and will stripe the road. The project will be completed soon.
On Porcupine Court, curbs will be poured next week, which will ensure the project is completed by late June.
The renovation of Soldotna Creek Park is almost complete. The kiosks for information boards are being installed as well as fascia on steel structures. Growing grass on open areas is yet to be finished and the opening of these areas to foot traffic will be at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation department on how well the lawns grow this summer.
The remodel of Soldotna City Hall will relocate all public functions to the first floor. The City Clerk’s office will be moving upstairs, so visitors can cast votes and receive public information on the first floor.
A new greeting lounge will be placed in the entry area. The project has begun, but is slightly behind expected schedule by roughly a week.
Construction of gravel trail behind Soldotna Regional Sports Complex connecting to Centennial Trail is expected to begin on June 9. Gravel will replace the stairways to better allow for winter activities such as cross-country skiing.
Replacement boilers have been ordered. A date for construction is not set, but will begin soon. The project will be complete by next winter.
The Apsen Drive project is currently in the design phase. Street light placement is being finalized.
Soldotna will begin taking bids on June 3 for the Kalifornsky Beach Reservoir. The council is set to award a contract on June 11. Construction is expected to take place throughout this and the following summer.
Kelly Sullivan can be reached at kelly.sullivan@peninsulaclarion.com
