Floods interrupt Alaska Railroad passenger trains

Flooding north of the Alaska Range has caused difficulties on many levels. Some residents in Salcha were evacuated and the Tanana River continues to rise, worrying railroad officials. The Alaska Railroad Corporation has stopped passenger train activity north of Denali Park due to flooding concerns near the village of Nenana.

No damage has occurred to the tracks, but the Tanana River crested last night at a historic high level.

The southbound train from Fairbanks continued to Anchorage yesterday as planned. The northbound train stopped in Denali and passengers were met by bus to transport them to Fairbanks.

As a precaution, passengers on today’s train will travel from Fairbanks to Denali on buses and then board the train in Denali and continue south to Talkeetna by train. The northbound train is expected to run as normally scheduled.

Freight traffic will continue as normal. Railroad crews are monitoring the Tanana and Nenana Rivers.

Flood warnings are still in effect for Fairbanks and Salcha. Some homeowners around Salcha have been evacuated. A flood watch remains in effect for the Denali Park area. A small stream flood advisory has been issued for Carlo Creek north to Nenana. Park Service personnel report road washouts at Polychrome Pass, however, the road has only had intermittent closures as crews work on the area.

Heavy rains continue to stay north of the Alaska Range according to the national weather service.