Sitka juggles airport, utility, and street construction through fall

Sitka is running several of its largest infrastructure projects at the same time this summer, and residents and travelers will feel the overlap through at least October.

Street and Utility Work

The biggest street project is the Lake-Hirst and Monastery-Kinkead Utility and Street Improvement Project, which is replacing aging water and sewer lines, adding a new storm drain system, widening streets, improving sidewalks and ADA access, and repaving roadways. Work runs through October.

Airport Terminal Renovation

At Rocky Gutierrez Airport, Phase II of the terminal improvements project is installing a new baggage handling system while crews also work on the terminal canopy, rental car facilities, and a new exit vestibule. Alaska Airlines staff and city employees are hand-carrying luggage to keep flights moving during construction. The City and Borough of Sitka owns the terminal building and is leading the multi-phased renovation in partnership with the State of Alaska, which owns the airport. Substantial completion is expected by the end of September.

The terminal project has been years in the making. Design firm Explore Design described the broader effort as a multi-phased renovation focused on improving passenger flow and security screening, developed in collaboration with major airlines and the city.

Other Active Projects

Other projects residents will notice include the state's Seawalk Phase II near O'Connell Bridge, a fire sprinkler upgrade at the Senior Center, and early preparations for a future U.S. Coast Guard homeport along Sitka Channel.

Routine Public Works maintenance, including pothole filling, lane painting, and street sweeping, continues alongside the capital work. Additional paving through city contractors will proceed as weather allows.

The city frames the concurrent construction as part of its goal to invest in infrastructure for future generations.