Skip to content
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Logo
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

SOUTHCOAST REGION
You are here: DOT&PF >  Southcoast Region > Projects > AMHS Auke Bay East Ferry Terminal Improvements - Stage 1

AMHS Auke Bay East Ferry Terminal Improvements - Stage 1

State Project No. SAMHS00419 | Federal Project No. 09333048


AMHS Ferry Terminal photo

Purpose & Need

The purpose of the project is to repair the berthing dolphins such that the facility is restored and continues to operate safely. The existing dolphins were built in 1982 and have reached the end of their intended service life. The dolphins have undergone several repair projects and are currently in need of full replacement to keep the facility safe and usable for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) vessels that frequent the facility. The berthing dolphin piles are severely corroded and in some locations the piles have open holes or are completely severed as a result of section loss. The timber fendering system on the dolphins is also severely rotted and beginning to loosen. This facility is one of the most highly utilized terminals in the AMHS ferry system. Large, cross-gulf vessels like the M/V Kennicott and M/V Matanuska utilize this berth.

Project Description

The proposed project consists of the following:

  • Installation of five new berthing dolphins
  • Refurbishment of the catwalks
  • Replacement of the catwalk access gangways
  • Lighting upgrades along dolphins and catwalks
  • Removal and replacement of electrical components as needed to perform dolphin replacement work
  • Installation of cathodic protection anodes on all piles

The project is anticipated to occur as early as fall 2024. There may be schedule changes to the AMHS ferry service during construction.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 13, 2023, and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.