FNM Staff Report

FAIRBANKS — The Interior Gas Utility announced in a newsletter on Tuesday that the first phase of construction of a natural gas distribution system in the North Pole area has begun.

The first phase of construction will include about 70 miles of pipeline in the area. The newsletter said about 800 feet have been installed so far.

According to the newsletter, 16 crews will be working south of Hurst Road from May to September. Work times will be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The newsletter asks drivers to keep an eye out in the area for the safety of the crews.

The Interior Gas Utility will hold an official groundbreaking ceremony for the project on June 5 in North Pole. The event will be held in the North Pole Plaza parking lot from noon to 1 p.m., and a handful of elected officials plan to attend.