There’s a delay in construction of Skagway’s William Henry Moore Bridge replacement. Alaska Department of Transportation and Hamilton Construction now expect to complete the project in October of 2019.

Neither Hamilton Construction nor the Department of Transportation would disclose the reason for the delay.

“There’s a difference of opinion between the contractor and the department about where the delay came from,” said Alaska Department of Transportation spokesperson Aurah Landau. “As for the contractor’s decision’s that have affected the timeline on this, the department simply can’t speak for the contractor.”

The current bridge on Klondike Highway is too narrow to meet current road standards. It was built in 1976 and isn’t equipped to handle increased truck sizes.

“The old bridge is beautiful and functional up to a certain point. The current bridge is safe; there are weight restrictions on it. The truckers and everybody hauling heavy weights over the bridge are aware of those,” Landau said.

The old bridge will stay in place after the new bridge is complete as a historical marker for Klondike Highway pioneers. It will be open to pedestrian traffic only.

Construction is shut down for the winter. Certain parts of the bridge are complete: initial piping and concrete are laid. Alaska DOT and Hamilton Construction plan to pour concrete next year.