A long-awaited overhaul of one of Nome’s main roads, Steadman Street, is set to begin June 10. The project is expected to take just over 60 days and fully rebuild the roadway, sidewalks and drainage system.
Steadman’s existing sidewalks have sunk into the ground, forming an uneven walking surface that collects water and freezes into slippery ice in the winter.
The goal is to bring the sidewalk into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.
Angelica Stabs, public information officer for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Northern Region, said the Steadman renovation joins five other ADA-focused projects in the region.
“It's just making the roadway and pedestrian paths more accessible to those who have different modes of transportation, like if they're using a wheelchair or they have to use a cane or walkers, things of that sort,” Stabs said.
The upgrades will widen sidewalks and smooth out curb ramps to improve accessibility. Stabs said that while replacing the sidewalks, the road also will be upgraded and repaved to improve drainage.
The work will span most of Steadman Street, from Front Street to Fifth Avenue, and is set to be completed on Sept. 30. But Stabs said the hope is to have construction done before school starts to reduce the impact on bus routes.
“Our teams are feeling very confident about maybe completing ahead of time. That certainly would be in everybody's best interest,” Stabs said.
She said the contractor, Knik Construction, hopes to finish in mid-August.
Knik was awarded the bid for about $4.37 million. The project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, with a 9 percent state match.
Stabs said Steadman Street between Front Street and Fifth Avenue will be closed during construction. Demolition and excavation are expected to take four weeks, followed by sidewalk and curb installation through July and paving in early August. Businesses and residences, she said, will be notified of closures two weeks in advance, and detours will be in place.
