www.AlaskaAlliance.com 15 The state’s Dalton Highway from Interior Alaska to the North Slope is a critical transportation link and is being heavily used with recent project activity. Transportation companies are concerned about its maintenance. We asked the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities about the condition of the Dalton this winter, and about staffing at maintenance camps. Compiled by Danielle Tessen Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Northern Region Q: What’s condition of highway this winter? What challenges are there? As one of Alaska’s most remote and challenging routes, the Dalton Highway faces its share of extreme winter conditions. This winter season has brought the expected mix of cold, snowfall, icy roads, and isolated avalanches, all of which heavily influence the highway’s condition and travel reliability. The Elliott Highway also saw early-season issues with rain and slush in the Interior, adding to the seasonal challenges. Fortunately, no large-scale disasters or extreme weather events have impacted this corridor this winter. We experience most challenges in spring and the summer for grading. In the winter, the freeze helps the road and focus is on snow removal. Challenges are with heavy snowfall to come during spring breakup grading operations. Snowfall Comparison n 2024-2025 Winter: Snowfall levels are average. 2020-2021 had higher-than-average snow. 2022-2023 saw slightly milder conditions with less overall accumulation. Q: Can you tell us what’s in Governor’s FY 26 budget for Dalton operations and capital projects? Dalton Highway requests included in the FY2026 Governor’s Budget on the operating side: n Northern Region Highways and Aviation Component n Dalton Maintenance Contracting including one-time item $692,500 n Seeking funding request for contracting maintenance support on the Dalton n Statewide Safety and Emergency Management Component n Dalton Highway Safety Training, one time item $250,000 Total n With the increased hauling activities on the Dalton Highway, particularly the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Dalton Highway employees need specialized training to respond effectively to highway accidents. This training is essential to ensure the safety of both the public and DOTPF staff. In the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 capital budget, there are specific allocations for the Dalton Highway: n Dalton Highway Heavy Maintenance (Milepost 76 to 89): $2.5 million designated for heavy maintenance between mileposts 76 and 89, focusing on aggregate application, drainage improvements, and roadside hardware repairs to address the poor condition of this highway segment. n Dalton Highway Aggregate Stockpiles: $4.5 million allocated for maintaining aggregate stockpiles, essential for ongoing maintenance and repair activities due to the highway’s poor surface condition. In addition, here are the 2025 planned on-going and new projects for the Dalton/Elliot corridor. n Dalton Hwy MP 289-305 n Elliott Hwy MP 51-63 Rehabilitation n Dalton Hwy MP 245-274 Resurfacing n Dalton Hwy MP 247-289 and 305362 Delineator Replacements Q: Last summer there were several vacancies in maintenance stations on the Dalton. Has this changed? Workforce on the Dalton continues to remain a top priority where we are seeking solutions, including working with other districts for two-on, two-off shift support. In addition, in the summer months, we have allocated eight temporary positions to work on the capital program. We continue to get creative on how to best serve the Dalton. Below are details for each of the camps, including staffing levels and vacancy rates: Dalton Highway Stations Livengood Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Elliott Hwy MP 28110; Dalton Hwy MP 0-28, Livengood Rd, Minto Road, Minto Airport n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 4 filled, 3 vacant Manley Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Elliott Hwy MP 110-156 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 3 filled, 2 vacant Seven Mile Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 28-100 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: full staff at 4 Jim River Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 100-156.2 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: full staff at 4 Coldfoot Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 156.2-209.2 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 4 filled, 1 vacant Chandalar Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 209.2-284.5 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 6 filled, 2 vacant Sag River Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 284.5-356 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 6 filled, 1 vacant Deadhorse Maintenance Station, North Slope n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 356-416 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 10 filled, 1 vacant n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 5 filled, 0 vacant Dalton Highway remains critical to state
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==