JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON -- JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON – In the interest of public safety, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District is kindly asking Utqiagvik residents to avoid the barge offloading area on the beach southwest of the community and adjacent to the airport while off-roading in vehicles.
Multiple instances of vehicular traffic have been observed driving through the area posing a significant risk to public safety as materials are offloaded for the construction of the Barrow Coastal Erosion Project. USACE’s contractor has constructed berms on both sides of the barge landing zone to try to direct local traffic in a direction that is more visible to truck drivers delivering heavy rocks. Signage has also been installed to deter vehicles recreating in the area.
“Safety is always our number one priority,” said Col. Jeffrey Palazzini, commander of the USACE – Alaska District. “While our onsite personnel are doing their best to mitigate this risk, we are hoping our community partners can help us by avoiding the area so that we can safely deliver a critical infrastructure project to the residents of Utqiagvik.”
Construction of the Barrow Coastal Erosion Project began in July after the first batch of armor rock arrived from Nome. A formal groundbreaking ceremony took place on Aug. 11 with members from USACE, North Slope Borough and the contractor participating in the event.
The community experiences frequent and severe coastal storms, resulting in flooding and erosion that threatens public health and safety, the economy of the community, critical infrastructure valued at more than $1 billion, access to subsistence areas and cultural resources. The project will reduce the risk of storm damage to about five miles of coastline by construction of a rock revetment at the bluff area, building a protective berm and raising Stevenson Street.
USACE anticipates completion of the project in the fall of 2033.
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Release no. 25-005