Alaska DOT seeking approval of new 67-mile ice road construction for the next three winters

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is seeking approval for the construction of a 67-mile ice road for the next three winters as it works to build a new remote airport. 

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities published the plans for a 67-mile ice road on Tuesday, February 3rd. The plans outline an ice road route connecting the permanent DeLong Mountain Transportation System road with the town of Noatak between October and March in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The route would allow for the construction of a new airport in the small, remote town. 

“The route is expected to be 25’ to 30’ wide with some sections being as wide as 50’. The proposed route minimizes stream crossings and would use ice bridge construction to cross five channels, including Kiyak Creek,” the department wrote according to the Alaska Beacon. “The proposed route requires no ground disturbance or permanent cut and fill on slopes and would be safe for proposed equipment travel.”

The current airport in Noatak is facing issues due to erosion caused by its proximity to the Noatak River. 

“The continued erosion jeopardizes the existing airport and therefore also jeopardizes the Noatak community which relies on safe and reliable air transportation service,” the department wrote in its plan.

The department calls the first construction date of winter 2026 to be an “admittedly ambitious construction goal.” The current airport is located to the east of Noatak, while the new one will be constructed to the west.