The much-needed replacement of a key component of Chugach’s communication network is complete. The 40-year-old Bernice Lake repeater shelter, located in Nikiski, had reached the end of its useful life and has been replaced.

The repeater is responsible for Chugach’s microwave communication between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. In addition to taking out the old structure and putting in a new one, the project included installation of racks, equipment, batteries, and the re-commissioning of the microwave and mobile radio communication systems.

Throughout the summer, work will continue to reinstall fencing, clear brush from key areas, and make improvements to the access road.

In partnership with a larger Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) project, Chugach is undergrounding approximately one mile of overhead distribution lines along a section of O’Malley Road. The $22 million road project will widen O’Malley Road from Livingston Street to Hillside Drive, putting in a center turn lane and pedestrian paths on both sides.

Chugach began work with DOT contractor Quality Asphalt & Paving (QAP) in late 2021. Right-of-way clearing and directional boring was completed in March. In April, trenching and conduit installation began. Chugach’s undergrounding, funded by a combination of DOT and Chugach capital projects, is anticipated to be completed late in 2022. The larger O’Malley project is expected to be complete in late 2024.

Cooper Landing residents can expect to see significant construction activity soon as Chugach is rebuilding part of the distribution line that feeds into the community. The Daves Creek Feeder 352 originates out of the Daves Creek Substation, between milepost markers 40 and 41 of the Sterling Highway, terminating at the Russian River ferry crossing.

This project will reconstruct approximately four miles of the line from the substation to Kenai Lake. It will increase capacity and reliability by adding poles and replacing conductors and cross arms on the feeder. The construction has been awarded to Alaska Line Builders and will begin after freeze-up. The construction will be done with the line energized, minimizing disruptions to members. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

Chugach has other projects scheduled for the Cooper Landing/Moose Pass area. A public meeting discussing the details of these projects is scheduled for the Cooper Landing Community Club on Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Chugach has several projects scheduled to improve reliability for our members. Below is a short list of projects underway or coming up:

Old Seward Hwy. undergrounding

Work is underway undergrounding overhead conductors between Huffman and O’Malley. Construction is expected to be complete in the fall.

Arctic Road undergrounding

This project will underground the distribution lines along Arctic Road between Raspberry and Dimond. This Title 21undergrounding project is scheduled for construction in the fall.

Substation 3 – Downtown

Substation 3 is a new distribution substation located in Downtown Anchorage. This new substation will allow Substation 9/9a, adjacent to the Coastal Trail off 2nd Avenue, to be retired. Commercial operation is expected later in 2021.

Cooper Landing feeder reconstruction

This project will reconstruct approximately four miles of line between the Daves Creek and Kenai Lake substations. Designed to improve reliability to members in Cooper Landing, construction is scheduled for later in 2021.

Quartz Creek transmission line

There are two sections of line Chugach is working to rebuild for this project. The Summit Lake to Daves Creek section is tentatively scheduled to begin in Jan. 2023. The Indian to Girdwood section is tentatively scheduled for 2023/2024 construction.