Road construction on the Sterling Highway from Anchor Point to Baycrest Hill is delayed, according to an update provided last week by the Alaska Department of Transportation.

Homer News previously reported in February that highway reconstruction from MP 157-169 was slated to begin this year, potentially seeing at least preliminary construction. Now, DOT has divided the project into two phases, anticipating construction to start next year.

Phase 1, expected to begin in 2026 and continue through 2028, covers MP 157-161. Phase 2, which covers MP 161-169, is currently anticipated to begin in 2027.

DOT project manager Aaron Hunting confirmed last Thursday that design for the project — which includes intersection improvements, new passing lanes, new/reconstructed bridges and major culvert replacements — is complete. Project leaders are currently working to finish utility relocation design and agreements, which is part of the reason for the delay.

Justin Shelby, administration operations manager for DOT’s Central Region, said Friday that the project was going to be “a late obligation” this year and that he was hoping to get it out for bid this year, but that it likely wouldn’t see “much or any construction on it” until next year.

“The phasing of that project was done to give us the best possible chance of being able to get that out this year,” he said.

According to the project website, the two-phase construction is also to “match available funding.” Sterling Highway reconstruction is being completed using both state and federal funds and follows Federal Highway Administration guidelines.

Follow project updates online at www.sterlinghwymp157-169.com/.