ConocoPhillips Alaska is asking the state for permission to upgrade gravel roads throughout the Kuparuk River Unit on the North Slope to handle heavy equipment bound for the Willow oil development project. The public has until 4:30 p.m. May 6 to comment on the proposal.

The company wants to lay 94,900 cubic yards of gravel and replace or extend 15 culverts along existing roads in the oil field. The upgrades would widen select curves and narrow sections to keep roads safe while transporting large modules for the Willow Central Facility. Work would start May 15.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas received the application March 20. The project falls under state land management laws and oil and gas regulations.

The road system connects production facilities across the Kuparuk River Unit, one of the largest oil fields on Alaska's North Slope. The upgrades are designed to accommodate oversized loads moving from Kuparuk to the Willow development site to the west.

The application is available for review at the Division of Oil and Gas office at 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, in Anchorage, or online at dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Newsroom. Written comments must be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the Anchorage office by the May 6 deadline.

Anyone who submits written comments will receive a copy of the final decision. People affected by the decision may appeal or request reconsideration under state regulations. For questions or to request alternative formats, call 907-269-8411.