Work to reconstruct Alaska Street, from South 56th Street to South 72nd Street, started earlier this week. The project will include replacement of utility lines underneath the street, including stormwater, sanitary sewer and water mains, as well as new amenities that are part of the Complete Streets Guidelines, including sidewalks, curb ramps, bike lanes and pedestrian islands. The City of Tacoma and the Transportation Improvement Board executed a grant agreement for $5 million dollars for this project. This stretch of Alaska Street has a total length of 5,400 feet and currently has an oil mat surface that lacks curbs, gutters, sidewalks, bike lanes, storm drainage and adequate lighting. Construction is scheduled to be complete in August 2012. For more information, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/alaskastreet .