Lake-Hirst and Monastery-Kinkead Utility & Street Improvements

LHMK Utility and Streets Improvement Project will replace the existing underground municipal wastewater and drinking water utilities and revitalize the streets, associated drainage and pedestrian facilities in the Swan Lake area of Sitka, including Lake Street, Monastery Street, Hirst Street, and Kinkead Street. The project will replace the sewer and water infrastructure, install a new underground storm drain system, and replace the stream culverts for Wrinkleneck Creek. The project will include sidewalk improvements aligning with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and signalized pedestrian crossing on Lake Street. All other residential streets will be widened to safe lane widths. The project will rehabilitate all streets and finish the surfaces with new asphalt pavement and striping.

Project Description

The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) has identified that the critical utility infrastructure located beneath Lake Street, Hirst Street, Monastery Street, and Kinkead Street is at the end of its useful life and in need of replacement. In addition to improving the reliability of critical utilities in the said areas, this project provides an opportunity to replace road paving, improve local storm drainage, and improve pedestrian safety.

 

Construction Updates

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

June 5, 2026

Kids Fishing Day Traffic and Parking Information at Swan Lake Park

The City and Borough of Sitka is sharing the following information on behalf of our contractor for the Lake-Hirst and Monastery-Kinkead Utility and Street Improvement Project, K&E Construction regarding traffic flow and parking arrangements for this weekend's Sitka Rotary Club Kids Fishing Day at Swan Lake Park.

As construction continues in the Lake Street area, attendees should expect some changes to traffic patterns and parking access during the event.

  • Traffic will enter from the Lake Street roundabout.
  • Angled parking will be available on Lake Street between Sawmill Creek Road and DeGroff Street.
  • A designated boat drop-off zone will be located near the intersection of Lake Street and DeGroff Street.
  • After dropping off boats, vehicles will be directed to return to the designated parking area on Lake Street.
  • K&E will have traffic control personnel on-site to assist with parking and boat drop-offs.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as work continues in the area. Please follow posted signage and directions from traffic control personnel.

Publish: June 5 - 6

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Contact List(PDF, 424KB)

Phasing Plan(PDF, 1MB)

Public Notice(PDF, 350KB)

 

Project Funding

This project is funded by the CBS Working Capital Fund and a loan from ADEC. The construction estimate is between $5 million and $6 million. 

 

Schedule

The LHMK Project was bid in March, 2024 with all bids coming in higher than the available funding. The bids were cancelled, and the project has been broken up into two phases: Phase 1 is Lake St. and Kinkead St., Phase 2 is Monastery St. and Hirst St.   

Phase 1 is anticipated to begin construction in spring of 2026.   

 

Public Meetings

On April 24, 2025 a public meeting was held at the Harrigan Centennial Hall and included a presentation and public comment session: LHMK April 24-2024 Public Meeting Presentation.pdf(PDF, 4MB)

Construction for Phase 1 is anticipated to begin early May 2026 with Substantial Completion at the end of October 2026.  The construction will be performed in sections in accordance to the attached Phasing Plan.

A public meeting was held April 7, 2026 and included a presentation of the Phase 1 construction:  schedule traffic phasing plan, and traffic maintenance during construction.  See link to flyer below:

LHMK-P1-Flyer.pdf(PDF, 1MB)

Phasing-and-Traffic-Graphic.pdf(PDF, 1MB)

LHMK Public Meeting Summary

Project Related Documents

 

 

 

Contact details

Loren Gehring, Project Manager
loren.gehring@cityofsitka.org

Provide Your Input

Questions, Ideas, and Comments on the project are welcome by emailing lhmk_utility_improvements@cityofsitka.org. 

 

Subscribe to Project Updates

All residents and businesses are encouraged to subscribe to receiving project updates through the website. Click here to subscribe. Enter your email or SMS, navigate to the Public Works section and click the “LHMK Updates” button.   

 

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