There’s Something Incredibly Unique About This Alaska Mountain Tunnel
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel in Alaska connects the city of Whittier to Bear Valley. The reason this tunnel is so spectacular is because it’s the longest single-lane highway tunnel in North America, and by long I mean really long – we’re talking over 2 1/2 miles! Not only is the tunnel unique because of its length but also because of how the ventilation works. At each entrance, there is a jet engine that propels fresh air through the vents along the length of the tunnel. Cool, huh?
There are many other interesting facts about this one-of-a-kind tunnel in Alaska, from the safe houses that were built inside the tunnel to its original construction, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is truly unique. Scroll through to learn more about its history and to see how cool it looks on the inside and out.
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In 1943, the military constructed the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, 2 1/2 miles of train tracks running beneath Maynard Mountain. The tunnel served as the supply route from the port of Whittier to inland Alaska. This mountain tunnel in Alaska is the longest one-lane highway tunnel in North America. It’s at the end of a stunning scenic drive in Alaska, too. Portage Road winds through Portage Valley, offering peekaboo views of glaciers and the surrounding mountains.
The tunnel was constructed for the supply route during WWII but when the military abandoned Whittier, the tunnel was put under major construction in order to then become part of the Alaskan Highway. It was developed from train tracks to a slab of concrete with tracks flush to the surface. The design allowed both trains and automobiles to access the tunnel making the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel not only the longest tunnel in North America, but the longest multi-use tunnel as well.
We all know how dangerous it is to be stuck inside of a tunnel, especially with exhaust filling the air. So in order to refresh the air and increase the safety of the tunnel, two jet engines were placed at both entrances to force air into the tunnel through vents.
Trains pass through the tunnel when they can, but priority is given to traffic. There is a strict schedule allowing traffic through each end at certain intervals throughout the day. The trains, however, can only pass through when there is little traffic. This makes sense considering how long it would take a whole train to power through 2 1/2 miles of tunnel!
The traffic is controlled by a computer system so there are never any issues getting in and out of Whittier, but the downside is you have to pay a fee to pass through the tunnel. If you ask me, $12 is worth being able to say you've driven through the longest underground tunnel in North America. Oh yeah, did I mention it is fed fresh air through the creative use of jet engines? Yeah, that's pretty cool.
Because of its length, safe houses and turn around points are scattered throughout the tunnel for emergency situations. The safe houses are really just small buildings that can be used for earthquake situations or crashes within the tunnel. This is one of the most unique places in Alaska that you can visit next time you want to get to Whittier!
Have you driven through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel in Alaska before? Did you know of its unique history? Would you recommend driving this? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Anchorage, AK, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel In Alaska
October 20, 2020
Megan McDonald
Does Alaska have a lot of tunnels?
Alaska doesn’t have many tunnels. While the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the longest in both Alaska and the entire United States, there aren’t many more tunnels in our great state. The most common tunnels you will find while traveling throughout our state are the railroad tunnels that have been carved out of mountainsides for quicker routes.
What is Whittier, Alaska known for?
Whittier is famous for many things beyond the long tunnel that travels to it. It’s the only road access into Prince William Sound from Southcentral Alaska. It also is nicknamed “the city under one roof,” referring to the fact that the majority of this small town lives in Begich Towers. This is a large apartment building with 2, 3, and efficiency apartments. Whittier is also known for fishing, a fabulous glacier cruise, and the quickest access from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and the ocean.
Are there many fun things to do in Whittier?
In the summertime, yes! There is hiking, glacier cruises, fabulous kayaking, and so much more. There are fun restaurant, great fishing, and plenty of areas to explore. In the winter time many of the place to eat and stay are closed, so attractions are limited.
Casea Peterson grew up archery hunting, fishing, and camping throughout the Pacific Northwest. Motivated by her love for the outdoors she moved to Alaska to attend school and to spend time exploring the last frontier. If she doesn’t have a pen in hand or her nose in a book, she can be found out on a lake or up in the woods around a fire with friends.
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