Anton Larsen Bay Road

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> Engineering Planning & Design
> Geotechnical Investigation & Design Recommendations
> Environmental Services & Permitting
> Construction Administration
> Materials Testing & Inspection

Project Overview x

HDL collaborated with the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration to conduct an Environmental Assessment for the Anton Larsen Bay Road extension project. The initiative was developed in partnership with the Native Village of Ouzinkie and aimed to extend the road by approximately two miles to a new boat launch and float/docking facility at the mouth of Anton Larsen Bay.

Currently, there is no direct road connection between the City of Kodiak and the neighboring communities of Ouzinkie and Port Lions. While there are transportation options such as the Alaska Marine Highway System, commercial and general aviation, and commercial and private boats, residents prefer the more cost-effective, convenient, and safe option of traveling by skiffs through the bay and vehicles on the road.

During the spring, summer, and fall, travelers can take a 30-minute skiff ride from either community to the Anton Larsen Bay Dock near the head of Anton Larsen Bay, followed by a 20- to 30-minute car ride via the road to the Kodiak Airport or the City of Kodiak. However, in the winter, the inland portion of Anton Larsen Bay freezes over, preventing boats from launching from the dock or entering. This limits marine travel to a route around Spruce Cape along the northeastern tip of Kodiak Island, which can be difficult or dangerous due to northeasterly winds and ocean currents from the Gulf of Alaska.

In contrast, the mouth of the bay freezes less frequently due to less freshwater entering it, making it more accessible by boat during the winter. The Anton Larsen Bay Road extension project has been a topic of discussion locally since the 1960s and was recently included in the Kodiak Island Borough Capital Improvement Program.