(Anchorage, AK) – Construction of a new satellite parking area designed to accommodate an additional 55 parking spaces has begun near the popular Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park.

The new parking lot, expected to open in late May 2013, will connect to existing trails, two new concrete vault toilets and a hillside orientation kiosk. In November, construction crews will suspend work for the winter season.

The project contractor, Ancor Inc., has begun implementing the project’s stormwater pollution prevention plan and soon will begin work on the new parking lot. Vegetation removed from the construction zone will be preserved for future placement on the finished slopes of the new parking lot.

Alaska State Parks is simultaneously upgrading the scenic overlook to the north of the existing Glen Alps parking lot. The aging wooden deck will be replaced with a concrete pathway and viewing area, with a new interpretive element that will identify several surrounding mountain peaks and other geographic features.

During the construction period, the existing Glen Alps parking lot will remain open but capacity will be reduced. Temporary closures may be needed to accommodate heavy equipment. Please consult the Glen Alps webcam at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/webcam.cfm for real-time parking conditions before driving up Toilsome Hill Drive to the trailhead.

While construction is underway at Glen Alps, day-use fees ($5 per vehicle) will not be collected at the nearby Upper Huffman parking lot. The Upper Huffman lot has been expanded and provides quick multi-use access to the Gasline Trail and other hillside trails, as well as great views. The fee will be re-instated at Upper Huffman during the winter season.