Dalton Highway remains critical to state
n With the increased hauling activ- ities on the Dalton Highway, particularly the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Dalton Highway employees need specialized training to respond effec - tively to highway accidents. This training is essential to ensure the safety of both the public and DOTPF staff. In the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 capital budget, there are specific alloca - tions for the Dalton Highway: n Dalton Highway Heavy Mainte- nance (Milepost 76 to 89): $2.5 million designated for heavy maintenance between mileposts 76 and 89, focus- ing on aggregate application, drainage improvements, and roadside hardware repairs to address the poor condition of this highway segment. n Dalton Highway Aggregate Stock- piles: $4.5 million allocated for maintain- ing aggregate stockpiles, essential for ongoing maintenance and repair activ- ities due to the highway’s poor surface condition. In addition, here are the 2025 planned on-going and new projects for the Dalton/Elliot corridor. n Dalton Hwy MP 289-305 n Elliott Hwy MP 51-63 Rehabilitation n Dalton Hwy MP 245-274 Resurfac- ing n Dalton Hwy MP 247-289 and 305- 362 Delineator Replacements Q: Last summer there were several vacancies in maintenance stations on the Dalton. Has this changed? Workforce on the Dalton continues to remain a top priority where we are seeking solutions, including working with other districts for two-on, two-off shift support. In addition, in the summer months, we have allocated eight tem- porary positions to work on the capital program. We continue to get creative on how to best serve the Dalton. Below are details for each of the camps, including staffing levels and vacancy rates: Dalton Highway Stations Livengood Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Elliott Hwy MP 28- 110; Dalton Hwy MP 0-28, Livengood Rd, Minto Road, Minto Airport n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week
n Operators: 4 filled, 3 vacant
The state’s Dalton Highway from Interior Alaska to the North Slope is a critical transportation link and is being heavily used with recent project ac- tivity. Transportation companies are concerned about its maintenance. We asked the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities about the condition of the Dalton this winter, and about staff - ing at maintenance camps. Compiled by Danielle Tessen Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Northern Region Q: What’s condition of highway this winter? What challenges are there? As one of Alaska’s most remote and challenging routes, the Dalton Highway faces its share of extreme winter condi- tions. This winter season has brought the expected mix of cold, snowfall, icy roads, and isolated avalanches, all of which heavily influence the highway’s condition and travel reliability. The Elliott Highway also saw early-season issues with rain and slush in the Interior, adding to the seasonal challenges. Fortunately, no large-scale disasters or extreme weather events have impacted this corridor this winter. We experience most challenges in spring and the summer for grading. In the winter, the freeze helps the road and focus is on snow removal. Challenges are with heavy snowfall to come during spring breakup grading operations. Snowfall Comparison n 2024-2025 Winter: Snowfall levels are average. 2020-2021 had higher-than-average snow. 2022-2023 saw slightly milder conditions with less overall accumulation. Q: Can you tell us what’s in Gover - nor’s FY 26 budget for Dalton opera - tions and capital projects? Dalton Highway requests included in the FY2026 Governor’s Budget on the operating side: n Northern Region Highways and Aviation Component n Dalton Maintenance Contracting including one-time item $692,500 n Seeking funding request for contracting maintenance support on the Dalton n Statewide Safety and Emergency Management Component n Dalton Highway Safety Training, one time item $250,000 Total
Manley Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Elliott Hwy MP 110-156 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 3 filled, 2 vacant Seven Mile Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 28-100 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: full staff at 4 Jim River Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 100-156.2 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: full staff at 4 Coldfoot Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 156.2-209.2 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 4 filled, 1 vacant Chandalar Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 209.2-284.5 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 6 filled, 2 vacant Sag River Maintenance Station n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 284.5-356 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 6 filled, 1 vacant Deadhorse Maintenance Station, North Slope n Area Covered: Dalton Hwy MP 356-416 n Hours of Operation: 6 AM - 6:30 PM n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 10 filled, 1 vacant n Days of Operation: 7 days/week n Operators: 5 filled, 0 vacant
Santos is aiming to begin Pikka in production at the end of 2025.
built for Pikka treats saltwater from the Beaufort Sea for transport to the Pikka field and injection for reser - voir pressure maintenance. Cono- coPhillips operates a similar Seawa- ter Treatment Plant nearby. Oil Search/Santos are already preparing for a phase two at Pikka, which involves two additional pads. The company said previously that phase two work will begin as soon as phase one production is under- way. Further exploration is also be- ing done this winter on discoveries made south of Pikka.
ing along with the used drilling flu - ids, or “mud,” for injection under- ground in a dedicated disposal well. The material is stored in an under- ground reservoir sealed by imper- vious rock in a process approved by the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the state’s quasi-ju- diciary body that regulates “down- hole” oil and gas production includ- ing safe disposal of materials such as drill fluids. There are several Grind and Inject facilities serving other oil fields on the North Slope including the large Prudhoe Bay field. The Seawater Treatment Plant
CONTINUED from PAGE 13
six to eight wells. The 2025 plan also includes in- stallation of remaining field pipe - lines and pipelines for crude oil shipments, seawater transport for reservoir pressure maintenance and fuel gas brought in from other fields. Oil Search also will continue work on Pikka’s Grind and Inject facility, Seawater Treatment Plant and com- pletion of the Nanushuk Operations Pad, it told the state Division of Oil and Gas. The Grind and Inject facility grinds the rock cuttings from drill-
— Tim Bradner
15
THE LINK: WINTER 2025
www.AlaskaAlliance.com
14
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker