The long-awaited resurfacing of Front Street in Nome continues to move forward, thanks in part to an additional $363,800 in funding from the State of Alaska’s 2025 budget. The project has been in the works since 2019 when the Department of Transportation (DOT) allocated $5.5 million in Community Transportation Project (CTP) funding.
The Front Street Resurfacing Project would span just over one mile from Greg Kruschek Avenue to Bering Street. Most resurfacing projects entail removing the first 12 inches of material although according to Charles Bohart, Construction Manager for the DOT, the project may grow in size—and cost—depending on what they find under the surface.
“There's old mine shafts in there and stuff that's underneath Front Street. It's more likely it's going to be a reconstruct,” Bohart said. “We may as well do all the utilities while we're at it like we did on Bering Street.”
The project has been on the wish list for both residents and city leadership. The road frequently floods when heavy rain falls. Improvements to Front Street have also been identified as a way to spruce up the town as increased tourism and commercial activity enters the region.
The DOT initially hoped to begin construction in 2023. A combination of COVID, shifting priorities following 2022’s Typhoon Merbok, and inflation have left the project in a holding pattern. With the arrival of additional funding and nearby projects running on schedule Bohart hopes to open up bids to contractors in 2025. Construction would not likely begin until the summer of 2026.
Two major projects in Wales also received CTP funding in this year’s budget. The Wales to Tin City Road Reconstruction project has been granted $1,848,000. This project will focus on rebuilding the road to Tin City.
The Wales Community Road Improvements project awarded in 2023 has also been allocated $1,848,000. This funding will be used to enhance local roads within the Wales community.
Front Street Resurfacing Project
The 1.1 mile project spans from Bering Street in the west to Greg Kruschek Avenue in the east. The section of road set to be resurfaced is highlighted blue on the map below.
