PAMP Progress Update

Progress is underway for North Extension Stabilization Project

On Tuesday, May 2, Port of Alaska crews began the first year of construction for the North Extension Stabilization Project (NES1). As part of the Port of Alaska Modernization Program (PAMP), crews working on NES1 will be stabilizing a critical section of the Port’s North Extension by cutting away the failing sheet pile, removing fill, and strengthening existing soil conditions.

The current state of the North Extension creates navigation and berthing challenges for ships entering and leaving the Port. Large amounts of sediment that have encroached into the navigation lane, crowding the space needed for ships to dock at the cargo terminals. As construction continues at the Port, stabilizing the southernmost section of NES1 will make docking ships less constrained by Port improvement projects.

NES1 follows a design-build project model. The design of the entire project is nearly complete, and this marks the beginning of its construction. This first year of construction involves deep soil mixing to help stabilize the critical section of the North Extension. The second year of construction will involve demolishing the failed structure and stabilizing the shoreline.

NES1 is an important part of the PAMP and will ensure that there is adequate space and stable soils surrounding future cargo terminals. This project is vital as the Port continues to modernize its infrastructure and operations.