Hurricane Gulch Bridge to be Refurbished

For more than 100 years, a railroad bridge has spanned the 914-foot Hurricane Gulch. The Alaska Railroad recently received a federal grant to cover most of the cost to refurbish that bridge. According to External Affairs Director Meghan Clemens, it’s been in service since the Railroad was built.

“The bridge structure itself dates back to 1921 when it was first constructed as part of the building of the Alaska Railroad system. That project was first commissioned in 1914 and then completed in 1923 when President Warren Harding came up to drive in the Golden Spike in Nenana.”

Clemens says the Railroad services more than 170 bridges and culverts in the system. There are ongoing inspections and maintenance, however there is sometimes a need for some more significant rehabilitation. That’s the case with the Hurricane Gulch Bridge.

“It’s absolutely critical for our mainline corridor between Anchorage and Fairbanks and this bridge is due for some extra TLC.”

Clemens says the work will be done around existing train schedules and is not expected to hinder traffic. Much of the work will be conducted through the winter, but she says the Aurora passenger train will continue service several days per week. Moving freight is also critical. Clemens says freight is usually moved overnight six nights per week and it includes bulk goods that stock the shelves in the Interior, fuel, and other products. 

Grant funding through the Federal Railroad Administration will cover 80 percent or $28.8 million toward the cost of the project. The Railroad will cover 20 percent for a total of $36 million. 

“We’re really excited about this grant and the ability to make sure that Hurricane Gulch Bridge is a safe and reliable part of the Alaska Railroad system for decades to come.”  

Clemens says there is not yet a timeline for completion, but the Railroad will communicate progress and any service interruptions to the public.