A project to expand the Kenai Spur Highway between Kenai and Soldotna will be introduced to the public at the Soldotna Library on May 27, despite most of the project falling within the city limits of Kenai.
Kenai City Manager Rick Koch said his city helped source the first $20 million for the project…
Koch: “I mean they have attempted to find some compromise that they said they’ll be happy to have a meeting in Kenai any time of my choosing, which is doesn’t really make sense to have one in Soldotna and one in Kenai the next day. So I think I’ll wait a couple of months as they move along with this year’s design work.”
Koch said the location is inconvenient for residents of both Kenai and Nikiski who use the road frequently.
The total project will cost closer to $40 million, but Koch said there are portions of the design and construction which can be completed with the money in hand…
Koch: “It can be designed, I think there’s a small right of way acquisition, lighting can be installed which would help; there’s a very significant moose-vehicle problem on the Kenai end of the project.”
The widening of the highway would start on the Soldotna end of the project, where most of the traffic congestion issues are located.