The first stage of the project diversion of the stream has been completed and the next phase is in the beginning stages.

"Basically, what we're doing is building a temporary bridge and rerouting traffic to the temporary bridge," Early said. Approaches also are being built to direct traffic to that new route.

Next comes the tearing up that stretch of highway and removal of the two culverts through which Stariski Creek flows.

"Once that's completed, Swalling Construction of will build a permanent clear-span bridge with no culverts underneath it," Early said. Swalling Construction of Anchorage will work as a general contractor on the project.

Compared to the two culverts currently in place, the new bridge will be better suited for king, pink and silver salmon that use the stream, according to Early. It also will offer more flood control. In October 2002, heavy rainfall stopped traffic on the Sterling Highway in two locations, Deep Creek and Stariski Creek. At that time, the force of the rushing water pushed the culvert from beneath the highway.

"This will be a permanent solution and more natural for the fish, too," Early said.

Although the road work falls during the highway's busy summer season, the temporary plan was planned with motorhomes, campers, boat-towing-pickups and tour buses in mind. It was designed to handle heavy traffic loads and the state has approved all the drawings, according to Early.

No road closures are in the plan, although motorists should anticipate some delays while equipment is working in the area.

"We plan to have it completely finished with the new bridge by mid-August," Early said.

The completed project also calls for expanded and paved parking on the northwest side of Stariski.

"And there will actually be a pretty nice steel walkway down to the river," Early said.

Twin Peaks also has been involved in South Peninsula Hospital's expansion project, doing dirt work and excavation.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.