The intersection of 4th Avenue and Steadman Street in Nome. Ben Townsend photo.

Steadman Street set for new sidewalks, roadway

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is preparing to upgrade a section of Steadman Street in Nome, with plans to go out to bid in April 2025. The project is part of the department’s Northern Region ADA Improvements initiative.

The road is one of only four in the downtown core that connects Front Street to Nome’s northern arterial road, Fifth Avenue. It’s frequently used– and frequently flooded as poor drainage plagues the roadbed.

City of Nome Mayor, John Handeland, said the project has been in discussion for over three years. He said the road is popular for pedestrians and motorists alike, dating back to when it used to extend out of town.

“It's played a part in our history for quite a while, and it still is quite useful,” Handeland said. “We had encouraged them in any way, shape or form, that they could get ADA compliant sidewalks all the way up to Seventh Avenue to the museum.”

According to preliminary plans, DOT&PF plans to replace sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along Steadman Street in addition to rebuilding the road. Approximately 500 square yards of sidewalk will be replaced, with a new uniform width of five feet.

The work will also include nearly 2,600 linear feet of new curb and gutter. Additional improvements will focus on grading, erosion control, and utility adjustment in coordination with Nome Joint Utility System. Once complete, Steadman Street is expected to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Preliminary plans highlight Steadman Street in Nome. Map is rotated with north on the right edge of the illustration. Alaska DOT&PF.

According to DOT&PF, the project is expected to cost between $2,500,000 and $5,000,000. Once the project is awarded, construction is expected to begin during Nome’s short summer season, with a timeline dependent on contractor availability and weather conditions.

Did you enjoy this News story?

Consider supporting our work by becoming a one-time or recurring donor.

Scroll to Top