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Dillingham roads won't see repairs until 2020

Tyler Thompson/KDLG

 

After hold-ups due to permit reviews and project designs, the Dillingham roads project is delayed for the third year in a row. Contractors are expected to bid on the project in two weeks.

Dillingham residents will have to wait another year for new roads downtown.

 

The Dillingham Downtown Streets Project has been delayed for the third year in a row. Major construction is expected in the summer of 2020 and could last through 2021.

 

Aaron Hughes, the state’s manager for the project, said designs were put on hold because the state delayed certifying the right-of-way and environmental permits.

 

“In a couple of weeks, we will advertise the construction plan set and so it will make it available for contractors to bid on," Hughes said. "There’s usually a three week review or process for them before they enter their bids.”

 

In an email, Dillingham City Planner Cynthia Rogers said the state had certified the long- awaited permits, and utility agreements are close to being finalized.

Credit City of Dillingham

 

Once a contractor is selected, the state will hold a meeting in Dillingham for the contractor to discuss the project with the community, as well as potential opportunities for local hires.

 

According to Rogers, the engineering firm CRW is finalizing bid documents for the project.

 

The City of Dillingham was planning to repair a different set of roads at the same time as the state project, with the goal of decreasing construction costs by sharing some of the state's crew and equipment. Voters approved a $4 million general obligations bond this spring in support of funding the city's project, as well as an extension to Lake Road Fire Hall.

 

Because the state project is delayed, the city’s project is on hold as well. The Fire Hall addition is currently under review by the state fire marshal.

 

Contact the author at tyler@kdlg.org or 907-842-2200.

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