The Alaska Department of Transportation is providing an update to the Sterling Highway project. Beginning Friday, July 9th, a detour will be in place at mile point 56 near where the highway connects with Skilak Lake Road by the Skilak East Restrooms. The drivers should be aware of a new traffic pattern and a reduced speed limit of 35 miles per hour.
Shannon McCarthy, Media Liaison, Admin Operations Manager for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities:
“They’re actually constructing a wall there. It’s on some wetlands and this is a slew that connects to the Kenai River. It’s about 1,200 feet long and it will also be the future site of a wildlife undercrossing. They’re building the wall there and they just need that extra space. The speed limit is reduced in the area to 35 miles an hour and it is a gravel surface. So we’re asking folks to use extreme caution, particularly motorcyclists. Even though we’re not anticipating significant delays, if we get a good crush of traffic coming down for fishing, that when we’ll start to see some congestion.”
The Alaska Department of Transportation reports that there will be minimal traffic restrictions during the month of July. Beginning on Monday, July 12 through Saturday, July 31, crews will be moving to a day shift. Shifts will take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
During the detour, be aware of a gravel surface. Drivers should also be aware of heavy equipment movement within the project zone.
For more information on the Sterling Hwy MP 45-60 project visit: http://www.sterlinghighway.net/
