Hurricane Gulch Bridge Explained

Bridge Name:Hurricane Gulch Bridge
Locale:Hurricane Gulch
Carries:Alaska Railroad
Crosses:Hurricane Gulch (tributary of Chulitna River)
Maint:Alaska Railroad
Open:August 15, 1921
Below:2960NaN0
Design:Arch
Mainspan:9181NaN1
Width:81NaN1, 1 track with a walkway on one side
Clearance:Deck arch, unlimited clearance

The Hurricane Gulch Bridge is a 9180NaN0 long steel arch railroad bridge that crosses Hurricane Gulch, Alaska. It is located at milepost 284.2, counting from Seward. At above the Hurricane creek, it is both the longest and tallest bridge on the entire Alaska Railroad. Many of Alaska Railroad's passenger trains pass over this bridge, including the Denali Star, the Aurora Winter and the flag-stop Hurricane Turn, in addition to freight movements.[1] [2]

A road bridge by the same name also exists.

Construction

Construction of this bridge by the American Bridge Company began in early 1921. The first steel was erected in June, and the first passenger train operated on August 15 of the same year. It was the most difficult and expensive bridge project on the railroad, and cost $1.2 million (equivalent to $ in adjusted for inflation). To build it, the company strung an aerial tram across the gulch, and construction proceeded from both sides simultaneously.[3] For eight years, this was the tallest bridge in the US.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Route Map. Alaska Railroad. 14 March 2017.
  2. Web site: Freight Routes. Alaska Railroad. 14 March 2017.
  3. Web site: Combs. John. Route Map: Hurricane Gulch. John's Alaska Railroad Page. 14 March 2017.