Chiniak Highway Erosion CA

Project Detailsx

Servicesx

> Construction Administration
> Materials Testing & Inspection

Project Overview x

The Chiniak Highway is a vital roadway that winds through the northeast coast of Kodiak Island, connecting residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Initially constructed during World War II, the highway was improved over the years to withstand the region’s extreme weather conditions, including frequent storms from the North Pacific Ocean and almost 80 inches of annual rainfall. However, due to erosion caused by flooding and coastal activities, several areas of the highway were in urgent need of repair to maintain its integrity.

The project included nine separate locations between mileposts 19 and 43, focusing on repairing erosion damages and protecting the highway from future erosion.

HDL’s construction administration (CA) team set up a remote lab and field office to provide construction inspection and material testing services throughout the project. They were present for all construction activities, despite the challenging environment and limited cell phone coverage. The CA team provided detailed inspection and documentation, enforced SWPPP requirements, prepared pay estimates, performed submittal reviews, and kept the public informed throughout construction.

The project encountered several challenges, including differing site conditions, archaeological discoveries, adverse weather, and timely completion of the work. However, HDL provided expertise and facilitated collaboration while finding solutions to overcome these challenges. The team provided prompt responses and documentation for each change order, minimizing additional costs and reducing delays. During weekly progress meetings, HDL held the contractor accountable for meeting the project schedule and completion date.

Thanks to HDL’s expertise and innovative solutions, the Chiniak Highway is now more resilient to the region’s extreme weather conditions and coastal activities. It remains a critical link between communities and businesses in the area and provides a safe and reliable transportation route for all users.