Starting in late July, contractors will begin the Richardson Highway bridge replacement, causing occasional one-lane closures until mid-October. Workers will install abutment piling on both ends of the future bridge using large equipment like cranes and a drill rig.
Crews will perform dirt work in the highway medians while preparing piles to ensure a solid foundation before winter arrives. They plan to pour concrete by mid-October, right before the season shutdowns pause most outdoor operations to stay on schedule.
Motorists can expect to see construction signage and workers along the route throughout the active construction season. Although construction is progressing steadily, demolishing the existing northbound bridge structure won’t begin until 2027.
The completed bridge will include a concrete barrier between travel directions, improving long-term driver safety and traffic flow efficiency. This project covers two bridges, Bridge #1364 northbound and Bridge #1866 southbound, located on the Richardson Highway near the North Pole.
These bridges are within the Chena Flood Control Project area, which was created to protect Interior Alaska after the devastating 1967 flood. Project elements include resurfacing the highway, updating drainage systems, clearing vegetation, and installing guardrails and new signage.
The vital corridor also links Alaska’s road system to Canada, making bridge integrity a priority for interstate transport logistics. Contractors are scheduled to remain on site until October, and work will resume next season to maintain momentum on delivery.
