Train to Whittier free while rockslide is cleared

The large rocks that block the road to Whittier are taking longer to remove than originally thought.  The road south of Anchorage may be closed through the weekend.

In response, Alaska Railroad officials announced today that the emergency trains they started running through the tunnel on Monday, will be free through the time that it takes to clear the road.

Alaska Railroad spokesman, Tim Thompson, said that they are in pretty good shape with amount of equipment up and ready to go.  He said it would probably be a different story if it had happened in December.

Trains leave Anchorage twice a day for Whittier.  The railroad is required to have a manifest, so passengers must call in advance to obtain a seat on the train.  The phone number to call is 265-2494.  DOT is helping fund the free service.