Linking Alaska’s Resources to Alaska’s People 16 2024 Meet Alaska Conference & Trade Show Work moving ahead despite winter onslaught Despite often brutal weather on the North Slope, ConocoPhillips is pressing ahead with construction of the Willow project in its first full season of winter construction. ConocoPhillips Alaska plans to spend up to $7.5 billion by 2029, when first oil is projected. The entire Slope has experienced several Phase 3 weather conditions this season, which means work is restricted to critical or emergency traffic only. During Phase 3 conditions, travel is only by heavy equipment convoy. Severe weather conditions are divided into three phases, Phase 3 being the worst, and based on wind speed, temperature and visibility. Despite the weather, construction continues with field activities including opening of the Willow mine site, gravel road construction and pipeline installation, said ConocoPhillips Alaska spokesperson Rebecca Boys. This follows the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Final Record of Decision in March 2023 and the company’s final investment decision in December 2023. Ground disturbing construction activities resumed Dec. 20 and are ongoing. “Crews are mobilizing to the field and preparation activities are underway with the expectation that approximately 1,800 personnel will be employed in the field during the winter construction season,” Boys said in an email. All winter 2024 construction and construction support contracts have been awarded. ConocoPhillips presses forward on Willow Project CONTINUED on PAGE 18
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