One Of The Most Dangerous Highways In The World Is Right Here In Alaska
The James Dalton Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the world due to its icy conditions, remote location, and unpaved portions. In fact, the James Dalton Highway is one of the most isolated roads in the U.S. and the most northern highway in Alaska.
The 414-mile route is considered extremely dangerous and it's advised you always travel with survival gear in case of emergencies. The highway only passes through 3 towns on its journey northward, which means only three gas stations, and the nearest medical facilities are located in Fairbanks and Deadhorse, at the very start and end of the road.
The highway has been featured in multiple seasons of the reality TV show, Ice Road Truckers. It has also been featured on BBC's Worlds Most Dangerous Roads, so it's pretty well-known how dangerous it is to travel the Dalton Highway - especially alone. The truckers that make the dangerous trek multiple times throughout the year attest to its treacherous conditions by giving the highway nicknames like Oil Spill Hill, Beaver Slide, and Oh Shit Corner.
The highway runs parallel to the pipeline and leads to Alaska's oil fields. It was originally built as a supply road for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and named North Slope Haul Road, but now it also provides access to the 3 towns along the route and for tours to the Arctic Ocean.
Definitely scary stuff. Check out this video by The Richest for more. Info on the James Dalton starts at 0:49.
Have you driven the James Dalton Highway? Were you gripping the steering wheel in fear as you slid around sharp corners or barely made it up its steep, icy hills?
