Residents can expect regular maintenance and repairs to the dike at the railroad bridge on the Talkeetna River.
Western Construction began repairs to the shoreline this week, adding much needed rip-rap to the dike. Rip-rap is large stone that’s essential for protecting the shoreline from erosion.
Mat-Su Borough Environmental Engineer Mike Campfield says this segment has lost rock since its construction in the 1970s. The dike was built in two sections; one being near the bridge and the other along the bank where the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna Rivers come together. Crews repaired the shoreline revetment last fall after severe erosion. Ice flows and floods this spring and summer damaged it again.
The Assembly approved this project in September using special service area funds dedicated to regular maintenance to protect the shorelines.
Campfield says the crew staged large rip-rap stones near the river and will soon haul in more. They will operate from about 8am to 5pm each day.
