A popular bridge crossing essential to travel between Nome and Teller is set to close on July 21. The Snake River Bridge, located at mile 7 of the Nome-Teller Road, has reached the end of its lifespan according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
The department will dismantle and eventually replace the bridge first built in 1957. The bridge’s roadbed, while passable, has warped significantly over the decades that followed.
The DOT&PF plans to close the Snake River Bridge to all vehicle traffic between July 21 and July 26. For people wishing to cross the river, a temporary footbridge will be built and available for use around the clock.
“In the evening, that's when we're not doing work. But there will be a footbridge there for crossings, and we'll have personnel on site to assist if needed,” the department’s Interim Superintendent, Tyler Johnson, explained.
During the closure, the bridge will be impassable to all motor vehicles. Barring any unforeseen delays, a temporary bridge for vehicles will open on July 26. The temporary structure is expected to remain in use until a permanent replacement can be installed. Johnson said the timeline for the permanent bridge remains uncertain due to funding constraints.
“Funding is the biggest obstacle right now,” Johnson said. ”I haven't heard about a project, a permanent replacement project yet.”
Johnson said other temporary bridges he’s overseen have lasted several years. The DOT&PF has not yet put out a contract solicitation for the permanent bridge project.
Updates on the project will be posted to the DOT&PF’s Facebook page as the work progresses.
