Alaska Railroad to Make Bridge Repairs

The Alaska Railroad hosted an Open House at the Talkeetna Public Library this week to hear concerns from residents about the planned updates to the railroad bridge and pedestrian walkway. About 25 residents attended the event.

External Affairs Director, Meghan Clemens, says that the bridge is 100 years old and in need of repair to meet current design standards. In addition to strengthening the bridge, the trainman’s walkway, or pedestrian bridge, will also be replaced.

Much of the public concern stemmed from the pedestrian bridge. The walkway dates back to the 1970s and was never meant to be permanent. The new walkway will be connected to the bridge in a different way so it will protect the integrity of both structures.

Chase residents use the walkway to access their remote properties, often with ATVs. Initially, the new walkway was set for 50 inches wide. However, that width would allow larger vehicles to cross to the bridge. Community members asked that the walkway remain 47 inches wide to maintain only what was historically provided.

The community is concerned that a wider walkway will bring larger ATVs to Chase. Those larger vehicles could degrade the trail network that connects the remote properties to Talkeetna.

Construction is expected to begin in September 2024 and will likely continue through March 2025. Construction will occur in six to eight hour windows in cooperation with the community and Railroad operations to minimize impacts to traffic and pedestrian access.

Though the final design is nearing completion, Clemens says they are still accepting public comment through the end of October. Email comments to info@arrcbridge227.com.     

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