The State Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation will accept bids for the Chilkoot Lake Road Corridor Improvement Project until Oct. 9, after delaying a closing date five times.

Project manager Danielle Ryder said the nearly one-month delay was mainly because “it’s a very culturally sensitive area and we want to make sure concerns are being met.”

Currently, the department is conducting a cultural evaluation in the area with local stakeholders and tribal leaders. Ryder said a completion date for the evaluation is unknown. “We thought it was going to be happening a lot sooner and it hasn’t,” she said.

Ryder said she is hopeful that the lowest bidder will stick to the completion date of May 30, 2020.

The project will improve the driving surface, drainage and pedestrian walkways along the roadway from the intersection with Lutak Road. Scope of work includes embankments, culvert installation, bear-viewing platforms, a paved pedestrian walkway, signage and paving and striping.

The engineer’s estimate for the project is between $1 million and $2.5 million.

Chilkoot Lake Road closure will begin no earlier than Oct. 16 as per contract specifications; The road is expected to remain closed until May 15.

Author