DMTS Bridge Inspections

DeLong Mountain Transportation System (DMTS) is a 52-mile toll road that facilitates year-round ore transportation from the Mine to the port, serving as a critical economic link for the NANA Region and Alaska. Essential to this route are nine bridges, all over 35 years old, that require regular maintenance to ensure safety and reliability.

Kuna’s engineers have partnered with the State of Alaska and the Mine to maintain and ensure the safety of these key infrastructure assets. In 2023, Forrest Williams, a NANA shareholder and senior field inspector with experience inspecting over 500 bridges across the U.S., led our bridge engineering team. Each bridge underwent detailed inspections following the latest USDOT and USFHWA standards, with a focus on assessing the condition of decking, guardrails, girders, columns, and connections.

Our hydrology team also evaluated potential flooding and erosion issues, while our survey team collaborated with structural engineers to develop a long-term monitoring plan to detect any movement over time. Based on our thorough inspections, we provided a comprehensive report and recommendations, which informed the development of both short-term and long-term maintenance schedules. Additionally, we designed and specified immediate repair work and oversaw its installation to ensure the continued safety and functionality of the DMTS bridges.