Alaska Railroad

{{Short description|Alaskan Class II railroad system}}

{{Infobox rail line

| box_width =

| name = Alaska Railroad

| other_name =

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| color = 0f204b

| logo = Alaska Railroad Corp.svg

| logo_width = 100

| logo_alt =

| image = Alaska Railroad train to Spencer Glacier.jpg

| image_width =

| image_alt = An Alaska Railroad passenger excursion train at Spencer Glacier.

| caption = An Alaska Railroad passenger excursion train at Spencer Glacier.

| type = Freight and passenger railroad

| system =

| status =

| locale = Alaska

| start =

| end =

| stations =

| routes = 5

| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|AK Anchorage total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}

| ridership2 = {{American transit ridership|AK Anchorage total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}

| yearcommenced = {{Start date|1903}}

| event1label = Purchase by US Government

| event1 = {{Start date|1914|03|12}}

| event2label = Completed

| event2 = {{Start date|1923|07|15}}

| event3label = Transfer to state

| event3 = {{Start date|1985|01|06}}

| owner = State of Alaska

| operator =

| character =

| depot =

| stock =

| linelength = {{Convert|470|miles}} (mainline)

| tracklength = {{Convert|656|miles}}

| tracks =

| gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}

| old_gauge = {{Track gauge|3ft|lk=on}} (former Tanana Valley Railroad)

| load_gauge =

| minradius =

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| signalling = Centralized traffic control or track warrant control with positive train control{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2018 |title=Positive Train Control Project Facts |url=https://www.alaskarailroad.com/sites/default/files/Communications/2018_PROJ-FS_Positive_Train_Control.pdf |access-date=2021-09-03 |website=Alaska Railroad}}

| elevation_m =

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| website = [https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ alaskarailroad.com]

| map = {{Alaska Railroad main line}}

| map_name = Alaska Railroad Diagram

| map_state = uncollapsed

| embedded =

}}

The Alaska Railroad {{Reporting mark|ARR}} is a Class II railroad{{Cite web |date=November 2006 |title=Commuter Rail Safety Study |url=http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/sso/CRSafetyStudy/html/CRSS.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320182013/http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/sso/CRSafetyStudy/html/CRSS.html |archive-date=2009-03-20 |access-date=2008-07-31 |publisher=Office of Safety and Security, Federal Transit Administration, United States Department of Transportation}}{{Cite web |date=August 2002 |title=FTA-MA-26-0052-04-1 Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned |url=http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/publications/safety/RailsWithTrails/HTML/RailsWithTrails.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120084336/http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/Publications/safety/RailsWithTrails/HTML/RailsWithTrails.htm |archive-date=2008-11-20 |access-date=2008-07-31 |publisher=Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Transit Administration; United States Department of Transportation}} that operates freight and passenger trains in the state of Alaska. The railroad's mainline runs between Seward on the southern coast and Fairbanks, near the center of the state. It passes through Anchorage and Denali National Park, to which 17% of visitors travel by train.

The railroad has {{convert|656|mi|km}} of track, including sidings, rail yards and branch lines. The main line between Seward and Fairbanks is over {{convert|470|mi|km}} long. The branch to Whittier conveys freight railcars interchanged with the contiguous United States via rail barges sailing between the Port of Whittier and Harbor Island in Seattle.{{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad: Corporate - Freight Services - Alaska Rail Marine |url=http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/FreightServices/AlaskaRailMarine/tabid/394/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221081655/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/FreightServices/AlaskaRailMarine/tabid/394/Default.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-21 |access-date=2013-12-19 |publisher=Alaska Railroad}}

Construction of the railroad started in 1903 when the Alaska Central Railroad built a line starting in Seward and extending {{convert|50|mi|km}} north. The Alaska Central went bankrupt in 1907 and was reorganized as the Alaska Northern Railroad Company in 1911, which extended the line another {{convert|21|mi|km}} northward. On March 12, 1914, the U.S. Congress agreed to fund construction and operation of an all-weather railroad from Seward to Fairbanks and purchased the rail line from the financially struggling Alaska Northern.

As the government started building the estimated $35 million railroad, it opened a construction town along Ship Creek, eventually giving rise to Anchorage, now the state's largest city. In 1917, the government purchased the narrow gauge Tanana Valley Railroad, mostly for its railyard in Fairbanks. The railroad was completed on July 15, 1923 with President Warren G. Harding traveling to Alaska to drive a ceremonial golden spike at Nenana. Ownership of the railroad passed from the federal government to the state of Alaska on January 6, 1985.

In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|AK Anchorage total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|AK Anchorage total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}. In 2019, the company generated a {{US$|21.6 million|link=yes}} profit on revenues of {{US$|203.9 million}}, holding {{US$|1.1 billion}} in total assets.{{Cite web|date=March 31, 2020|title=Alaska Railroad Corp. Annual Report|url=https://www.alaskarailroad.com/sites/default/files/Communications/2019_ARRC_AnnualReport_withFinancials_SECURED.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=|publisher=Alaska Railroad|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016162848/https://www.alaskarailroad.com/sites/default/files/Communications/2019_ARRC_AnnualReport_withFinancials_SECURED.pdf |archive-date=2020-10-16 }}

History

File:Railroad construction - ties awaiting rails, Alaska, 1915.jpg

In 1903 a company called the Alaska Central Railroad began to build a rail line beginning at Seward, near the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, northward. The company built {{convert|51|mi|km}} of track by 1909 and went into receivership. This route carried passengers, freight and mail to the upper Turnagain Arm. From there, goods were taken by boat at high tide, and by dog team or pack train to Eklutna and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

In 1909, another company, the Alaska Northern Railroad Company, bought the rail line and extended it another {{convert|21|mi|km}} northward. From the new end, goods were floated down the Turnagain Arm in small boats. The Alaska Northern Railroad went into receivership in 1914.

At about this time, the United States government was planning a railroad route from Seward to the interior town of Fairbanks. President William Howard Taft authorized a commission to survey a route in 1912. The line would be {{convert|656|mi|km}} long and provide an all-weather route to the interior.Cohen, Stan (1981). The Forgotten War: A Pictorial History of World War II in Alaska and Northwestern Canada. Missoula, Montana: Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., Inc. {{ISBN|0-933126-13-1}}, p. 61

In 1914, the government bought the Alaska Northern Railroad and moved its headquarters to Ship Creek, in what would later become Anchorage. The government began to extend the rail line northward.

In 1917, the Tanana Valley Railroad in Fairbanks was heading into bankruptcy. It owned a small {{convert|45|mi|km|adj=on}} {{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} (narrow gauge) line that serviced the towns of Fairbanks and the mining communities in the area as well as the boat docks on the Tanana River near Fairbanks.

The government bought the Tanana Valley Railroad, principally for its terminal facilities. The section between Fairbanks and Happy was converted to dual gauge to complete the {{RailGauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}} line from Seward to Fairbanks. The government extended the southern portion of the track to Nenana, and later converted the extension to standard gauge. The Alaska Railroad continued to operate the remaining TVRR narrow gauge line as the Chatanika Branch (the terminus was near the Yukon River), until decommissioning it in 1930.

File:Alaska Railroad engine crossing the Tanana River on the ice at Nenana just prior to completion of the railroad.jpg crossing the Tanana River on the ice at Nenana just prior to completion of the railroad in 1923.]]

In 1923 they built the {{convert|700|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Mears Memorial Bridge across the Tanana River at Nenana. This was the final link in the Alaska Railroad and at the time, was the second longest single-span steel railroad bridge in the country. U.S. President Warren G. Harding drove the golden spike that completed the railroad on July 15, 1923, on the north side of the bridge. The railroad was part of the US Department of the Interior.

File:The Alaska Railroad.jpg

The Alaska Railroad's first diesel locomotive entered service in 1944. The railroad retired its last steam locomotive in 1966.

In 1958, land for the future Clear Air Force Station was purchased. (Clear is about {{convert|15|km|mi|sp=us}} south of Nenana.) Approximately {{convert|40,000|ft|km}} of track were diverted, and later a spur was constructed to deliver coal to its power station.

The railroad was greatly affected by the Good Friday earthquake, which struck southern Alaska in 1964. The yard and trackage around Seward buckled and the trackage along Turnagain Arm was damaged by floodwaters and landslides. It took several months to restore full service along the line.{{Cite book |last1=McCulloch |first1=David S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xD8rAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA543 |title=The Great Alaska Earthquake Of 1964, Vol 1, Part 2: Effects On The Alaska Railroad |last2=Manuel G. Bonilla |publisher=National Academy of Sciences |year=1971 |isbn=978-0-309-01601-8 |location=Washington |pages=543–640 |access-date=2009-08-14}}

In 1967, the railroad was transferred to the Federal Railroad Administration, an agency within the newly created United States Department of Transportation.

In 1975-76, an infusion of $15 million from the DOT enabled various capital improvements including those to facilitate hauling materials for the Alaska Pipeline.{{cite magazine|last=Anderson|first=Bill|magazine=Trains|publisher=Kalmbach Media|pages=20–27|title=Greasing the Skids for Alaska Oil|number=9 Vol 83|date= September 2023}}

On January 6, 1985, the state of Alaska bought the railroad from the U.S. government for $22.3 million, based on a valuation determined by the US Railway Association.State Buys Alaska Railroad Pacific RailNews issue 254 January 1985 page 38Alaska RR Sold Pacific RailNews issue 258 May 1985 page 6 The state immediately invested over $70 million on improvements and repairs that compensated for years of deferred maintenance. The purchase agreement prohibits the Alaska Railroad from paying dividends or otherwise returning capital to the state of Alaska, unlike the state's other quasi-corporations: the Alaska Permanent Fund, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority.

File:AlaskaRailroadPassenger.jpg, depot on June 30, 2010]]

Proposed expansion in Alaska

= Northern Rail Extension to Delta Junction =

An extension of the railroad from Fairbanks to Delta Junction over a bridge spanning the Tanana River was envisioned as early as 2009.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011|reason=It was proposed in 2009 THIS TIME OUT - it's pretty safe to say that it's been on the table a whole lot longer than that, but you may need to actually live in Alaska to know that}} The 2011 Alaska state budget would provide $40 million in funding for the bridge, which initially be only for vehicular use. The United States Department of Defense would provide another $100 million in funds, as the bridge and a subsequent rail line would provide year-round access to Fort Greely and the Joint Tanana Training Complex.{{Cite magazine |date=16 April 2010 |title=Alaska Railroad extension moves forward |url=http://www.trains.com/trn/default.aspx?c=a&id=6667&r=rss |magazine=Trains Magazine |access-date=18 April 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Groundbreaking ceremony for the Tanana River Bridge took place on September 28, 2011,{{Cite web |date=27 September 2011 |title=Alaska Railroad begins to build Tanana River Bridge |url=http://www.progressiverailroading.com/mow/article/Alaska-Railroad-begins-to-build-Tanana-River-Bridge--28166 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509215354/http://www.progressiverailroading.com/mow/article/Alaska-Railroad-begins-to-build-Tanana-River-Bridge--28166 |archive-date=9 May 2012 |access-date=30 September 2011 |publisher=Progressive Railroading}} and the new bridge was opened (for military road traffic only) in 2014.{{Cite news |last=Cole |first=Dermot |date=August 5, 2014 |title=Alaska's longest bridge completed across Tanana River |work=Anchorage Daily News |url=https://www.adn.com/fairbanks/article/alaska-officials-celebate-alaskas-longest-costliest-bridge/2014/08/06/}}

= Point MacKenzie Line =

On 21 November 2011, the Surface Transportation Board approved the construction of a new 25-mile (40 km) line between Port MacKenzie and the existing main line at Houston, Alaska.{{Cite web |date=22 November 2011 |title=STB authorizes new Alaska Railroad line |url=http://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/article/STB-authorizes-new-Alaska-Railroad-line--28940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509215600/http://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/article/STB-authorizes-new-Alaska-Railroad-line--28940 |archive-date=9 May 2012 |access-date=24 November 2011 |publisher=Progressive Railroading}} As of May 2023 this spur line had not been completed.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

= Anchorage Vicinity Service =

A spur line was built to Ted Stevens International Airport in 2003, along with a depot, officially named after Bill Sheffield. The line never received scheduled service but cruise lines charter trains to convey passengers between ships and the airport.{{Cite news |last=Shinohara |first=Rosemary |date=2 March 2010 |title=Anchorage Airport train depot echoes silence |work=Alaska Dispatch News |url=http://www.adn.com/article/20100302/anchorage-airport-train-depot-echoes-silence |access-date=13 August 2015}} The railroad currently leases the depot to citizens for private events such as conferences, seminars, and corporate functions.{{Cite web |title=Depot Information |url=http://alaskarailroad.com/Corporate/LandLeasing/BuildingLeases/DepotRentals/RentalsAirportDepot/tabid/554/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906010111/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/Corporate/LandLeasing/BuildingLeases/DepotRentals/RentalsAirportDepot/tabid/554/Default.aspx |archive-date=6 September 2015 |access-date=13 August 2015 |website=Alaska Railroad |df=dmy-all}}

There are plans to provide commuter rail service within the Anchorage metropolitan area (Anchorage to Mat-Su Valley via Eagle River, north Anchorage to south Anchorage); additional tracks would be necessary to accommodate the heavy freight traffic.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Proposed connection to the contiguous 48 states=

{{For|efforts prior to 1999|Canada–Alaska Railway}}

In 2001 federal legislation, sponsored by Republican U.S. senator (and later Alaska governor) Frank Murkowski, formed a bilateral commission to study feasibility of building a rail link between Canada and Alaska;{{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad News |url=http://www.alaskarails.org/news/ARR-news01_1.html |website=www.alaskarails.org}} Canada was asked to be part of the commission, but the Canadian federal government did not choose to join the commission or commit funds for the study. However, the Yukon territorial government did show some interest.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}

A June 2006 report by the commission recommended Carmacks, Yukon, as a hub, with three possibilities: A line could go northward to Delta Junction, Alaska (Alaska Railroad's northern end-of-track). Another line could go from Carmacks to Hazelton, British Columbia (which is served by the CN), passing through Watson Lake, Yukon, and Dease Lake, British Columbia. The third line could go from Carmacks to either Haines or Skagway, Alaska. The latter path by way of Whitehorse, Yukon,{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://alaskacanadarail.com/documents/Map_Page_ACRL.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617082953/http://alaskacanadarail.com/documents/Map_Page_ACRL.pdf |archive-date=2009-06-17 |access-date=2009-08-29}}{{Cite web |title=Alaska Canada Rail Link |url=http://alaskacanadarail.com/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425025223/http://alaskacanadarail.com/index.html |archive-date=2011-04-25 |access-date=2011-01-02}}{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://alaskacanadarail.com/documents/Summary%20Report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617083024/http://alaskacanadarail.com/documents/Summary%20Report.pdf |archive-date=2009-06-17 |access-date=2009-08-29}}{{Cite web |title=Alaska Canada Rail Link |url=http://alaskacanadarail.com/report.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811072227/http://alaskacanadarail.com/report.html |archive-date=2011-08-11 |access-date=2009-08-29}} the northern terminus of the {{RailGauge|3ft}} (narrow-gauge) White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad). However, currently the latter's trains only reach Carcross, Yukon, because service has not been completely restored following a 1982 embargo of the entire line.

Following the demise of the ill-fated Keystone XL Pipeline project, the Alaska Canada Rail Link (ACRL) was rekindled as an alternative.{{Cite web |title=Business and Economic Research - Alaska Canada Rail Link Phase 1 Report |url=http://economics.gov.yk.ca/rail.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018132529/http://economics.gov.yk.ca/rail.htm |archive-date=2016-10-18 |access-date=2016-11-10}} In November 2015, the National Post reported that a link between the southern provinces and the Alaska Railroad was again being considered by the Canadian federal government, this time routing to Alberta. In this scenario, the route would originate at Delta Junction and use Carmacks as a hub, as in prior plans. The route would continue through Watson Lake, Yukon, en route to a stop at Fort Nelson, British Columbia. It would continue to Peace River, Alberta, with its southern terminus at Fort McMurray. The route was endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations.{{Cite web |title=Keystone Alternative Essential: Alberta to Alaska by Rail - Diane Francis |url=http://dianefrancis.com/keystone-alternative-essential-alberta-to-alaska-by-rail/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222112313/http://dianefrancis.com/keystone-alternative-essential-alberta-to-alaska-by-rail/ |archive-date=2015-12-22 |access-date=2015-12-13 |website=Diane Francis |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |title=Alaska-bound rail project could solve Canada's oil sands problems |url=http://business.financialpost.com/diane-francis/alaska-bound-rail-project-could-solve-canadas-oil-sands-problems |access-date=2015-12-13 |website=Financial Post|date=16 November 2012 |last1=Francis |first1=Diane }} It was unclear whether this rail connection would ever be utilized for passenger service.

On September 25, 2020, then President Donald Trump announced he would issue a presidential permit to the Alaska-Alberta Railway Development Corporation (A2A Railway),{{Cite web |date=2020-09-25 |title=Trump gives approval for Alberta-Alaska rail line to move resources |url=https://mustreadalaska.com/breaking-trump-gives-approval-for-alberta-alaska-rail-line-to-move-resources/ |access-date=2020-09-26 |website=Must Read Alaska}} which had an agreement with Alaska Railway{{Cite web |date=2019-07-15 |title=Engineering Spotlight: A2A Rail aims to carve out railway corridor between Alberta, Alaska |url=https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/infrastructure/2019/07/engineering-spotlight-a2a-rail-aims-carve-railway-corridor-alberta-alaska |access-date=2020-09-26 |website=Journal of Commerce by ConstructConnect}} to develop a joint operating plan for the rail connection to Canada. The proposed A2A Railway would have connected to the Alaska Railroad at North Pole, Alaska, and run through Yukon Territory to Fort Nelson, and from there to a terminus at Fort McMurray, Alberta.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-10 |title=Ambitious railway dream is gathering steam |url=https://www.whitehorsestar.com/News/ambitious-railway-dream-is-gathering-steam |access-date=2020-09-26 |website=Whitehorse Star}} (The A2A Railway had also been negotiating with the Mat-Su Borough on an agreement to complete the Port Mackenzie Railway Extension.){{Cite web |date=2019-01-01 |title=Is Alberta to Alaska Railway Port Mac's Sugar Savior? |url=https://www.frontiersman.com/news/is-alberta-to-alaska-railway-port-mac-s-sugar-savior/article_f30ac168-0e1b-11e9-9c95-dfc95f7fc93a.html |access-date=2020-09-26 |website=Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman}}

Executives

=General managers under federal ownership=

{{Div col}}

  • Col. Frederick Mears, 1919-1923 (was originally head of the railroad as chairman of the Alaska Engineering Commission)
  • Col. James Gordon Steese, 1923-1923
  • Lee H. Landis, 1923–1924
  • Noel W. Smith, 1924–1928
  • Col. Otto F. Ohlson, 1928–1945
  • Col. John P. Johnson, 1946–1953
  • Frank E. Kalbaugh, 1953–1955
  • Reginald N. Whitman, 1955–1956
  • John H. Lloyd, 1956–1958
  • Robert H. Anderson, 1958–1960
  • Donald J. Smith, 1960–1962
  • John E. Manley, 1962–1971
  • Walker S. Johnston, 1971-1975{{Cite book |last1=Atwood |first1=Evangeline |title=Who's Who in Alaskan Politics |last2=DeArmond |first2=Robert N. |publisher=Binford & Mort for the Alaska Historical Commission |year=1977 |location=Portland |page=7 (of appendix) |author-link2=R. N. DeArmond}}
  • William L. Dorcy, 1975–1979
  • Steven R. Ditmeyer (Acting) 1979-1980
  • Frank H. Jones, 1980–1985

{{Div col end}}

Railroad Corporation Police

The Alaska Railroad Corporation has its own police force{{cite web|url=https://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/safety|title=Alaska Railroad: Corporate Safety|access-date=September 17, 2023|date=May 5, 2023}}

=Presidents under state ownership=

{{Div col}}

  • Frank Turpin, 1985-1991{{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad: About ARRC - ARRC History |url=http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/AboutARRC/ARRCHistory/tabid/453/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221081659/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/AboutARRC/ARRCHistory/tabid/453/Default.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-21 |access-date=2013-12-19 |publisher=Alaska Railroad}}
  • Robert Hatfield Jr., 1991–1997
  • Bill Sheffield, 1997–2001
  • Patrick K. Gamble, 2001–2010
  • Christopher Aadnesen, 2010–2013{{Cite news |last=Thiessen |first=Mark |date=August 2, 2013 |title=Alaska Railroad CEO to step down |work=Miami Herald |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/02/3539836/alaska-railroad-ceo-to-step-down.html |access-date=2013-08-03}}
  • Bill O'Leary, 2013–present{{Cite news |date=October 25, 2013 |title=Bill O'Leary named president and CEO of the Alaska Railroad |work=Anchorage Daily News |url=http://www.adn.com/2013/10/25/3142705/bill-oleary-named-president-and.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2013-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213003314/http://www.adn.com/2013/10/25/3142705/bill-oleary-named-president-and.html |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |df=mdy-all}}

{{Div col end}}

Routes and tourism

{{mapframe|from=Alaska_Railroad.map|text=Alaska Railroad route|frame=yes}}

File:AlaskaRailroad.jpg" train.]]

File:Alaska Railroad Denali station.jpg Station in July 1998.]]

The railroad is a major tourist attraction in the summer. Coach cars feature wide windows and domes. Private cars owned by the major cruise companies are towed behind the Alaska Railroad's own cars, and trips are included with various cruise packages.

=Routes=

  • The Denali Star runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks{{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad: Our Trains - Denali Star Train Information |url=http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travelSchedules/DenaliStar/tabid/99/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221073451/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travelSchedules/DenaliStar/tabid/99/Default.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-21 |access-date=2013-12-19 |publisher=Alaska Railroad}} (approximately 12 hours one-way) and back with stops in Talkeetna and Denali National Park, from which various flight and bus tours are available. The Denali Star only operates between May 15 and September 15.{{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad: Transit - Schedules |url=http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travelSchedules/DenaliStar/tabid/99/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221073451/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travelSchedules/DenaliStar/tabid/99/Default.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-21 |access-date=2013-12-19 |publisher=Alaska Railroad}} Although the trip is only about {{convert|356|mi|km}}, it takes 12 hours to travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks as the tracks wind through mountains and valleys; the train's top speed is {{convert|59|mph|kph}} but sometimes hovers closer to {{convert|30|mph|kph}}.
  • The Aurora Winter Train{{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad: Our Trains - Aurora Winter Train |url=http://www.alaskarailroad.com/OurTrains/AuroraWinterTrain/tabid/103/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221074108/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/OurTrains/AuroraWinterTrain/tabid/103/Default.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-21 |access-date=2013-12-19 |publisher=Alaska Railroad}} is available in winter months (September 15 - May 15) on a reduced weekend-only schedule (Northbound, Saturday mornings; Southbound, Sunday mornings) between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the same route as the Denali Star.
  • The Coastal Classic winds its way south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm before turning south to the Kenai Peninsula, eventually reaching Seward. This {{convert|114|mi|km|adj=on}} trip takes around four and a half hours due to some slow trackage as the line winds its way over mountains.
  • The Glacier Discovery provides a short (2-hour) trip south from Anchorage to Whittier for a brief stop before reversing direction for a stop at Grandview while returning to Anchorage in the evening.
  • The Hurricane Turn provides rail service to people living between Talkeetna and the Hurricane area. This area has no roads, and the railroad provides the lifeline for residents who depend on the service to obtain food and supplies. One of the last flag-stop railway routes in the United States, passengers can board the Hurricane Turn anywhere along the route by waving a large white flag or cloth.
  • The Grandview Cruise Train is a set of single-level passenger dome cars that Alaska Railroad makes available for charter to cruise line operators for the transportation of their passengers exclusively, typically between May 15 and September 15. On alternate Mondays this train operates under charter to NCL Holdings between Anchorage International Airport and the Whittier NCL Depot, where it meets Norwegian Cruise Line vessels. On Thursdays and Fridays this train operates under charter to Royal Caribbean Group between Anchorage International Airport and the Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad lntermodal Terminal in Seward, where it meets Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises vessels. On Sundays this train operates under charter to HAP Alaska-Yukon between Anchorage Depot and the Whittier HAP Depot, where it meets Holland America Line vessels. On Saturdays and alternate Wednesdays this train operates under charter to HAP Alaska-Yukon between McKinley station, located 3.4 miles south of Talkeetna, and the Whittier HAP Depot, where it meets Princess Cruises vessels; this operation is known as the McKinley Express.
  • The Denali Express uses a set of bilevel passenger dome cars that are owned by Tour Alaska, a subsidiary of Carnival, and a single bilevel passenger dome car that is owned by Alaska Railroad, with all cars operated under contract by Alaska Railroad. This train operates Saturdays, Sundays, and alternate Wednesdays exclusively for Holland America Line and Princess Cruises passengers. The train operates between Denali Park Depot and Whittier HAP Depot, where it meets Holland America Line and Princess Cruises vessels.
  • The McKinley Explorer uses a set of bilevel passenger dome cars that are owned by Tour Alaska, a subsidiary of Carnival, operated under contract by Alaska Railroad. This train operates daily and is available to all persons, whether a cruise line passenger or not. The train operates between Denali Park Depot and Anchorage Depot.
  • The Wilderness Express uses a bilevel passenger dome car that is owned by Premier Alaska Tours, and which is attached to the Denali Star train and operated by Alaska Railroad. This service operates daily and is available to all persons, whether a cruise line passenger or not. While the Wilderness Express is part of the same consist as the Denali Star, there is no passage between this car and the Denali Star cars. The train operates between Fairbanks Depot and Anchorage Depot.
  • Note that the spur affording access to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is used during the summer season for cruise ship service only. It was activated temporarily during the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) 2006 convention to provide airport-to-hotel mass transit for delegates.

Rolling stock

File:Alaska railroad, open and closed cars, near Alyeska area, Seward Highway, making a winter run, 1093, south east of Anchorage, Alaska, USA (11878202086).jpg

By 1936, the company had rostered 27 steam locomotives, 16 railcars, 40 passenger cars and 858 freight cars.{{cite book |title=World Survey of Foreign Railways |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxHLQGfxDa0C&pg=PA1 |year=1936 |publisher=Transportation Division, Bureau of foreign and domestic commerce, Washington D.C.|language=English |page=1}}

=Active=

{{As of|2022}}, Alaska Railroad rosters a total of 51 locomotives, two control cab units, and one DMU (self-propelled railcar):

=Retired=

=Other=

File:Old AK railroad car.jpg]]

In 2011 the Alaska Railroad reacquired ARR 557, the last steam locomotive bought new by the railroadengine roster from ARR archives and the last steam locomotive used by the railroad, with the intent to refurbish and operate it in special excursions between Anchorage and Portage.

A USATC S160 "2-8-0 Consolidation" engine built in 1944USATC builder's plate by Baldwin Locomotive Works, 557 was originally coal-fired but was converted to oil in 1955. It operated until 1964, when it was deemed surplus and sold as scrap. It was purchased by Monte Holm of Moses Lake, Washington and displayed in his House of Poverty Museum.{{Cite web |title=Engine 557 Restoration Company |url=http://www.557.alaskarails.org/ |website=www.557.alaskarails.org}}

After Holm's death in 2006, Jim and Vic Jansen bought 557 from the museum and returned it to the Alaska Railroad on the condition that it be restored to operation and put into service.{{Cite news |title=Old 557 Returns |work=Anchorage Daily News |url=http://www.adn.com/2012/01/03/2244752/old-557-engine-returns-but-not.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2012-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109232833/http://www.adn.com/2012/01/03/2244752/old-557-engine-returns-but-not.html |archive-date=2012-01-09}}

The locomotive was sold to the non-profit Engine 557 Restoration Company for "One Dollar ($1.00) and other good and valuable considerations"557 Bill of Sale{{full citation needed|date=February 2021}} and they have invested ({{as of|January 2019|lc=y}}) 77 months and over 75,000 hours of volunteer time in the restoration and overhaul.557 Restoration Company internal records{{full citation needed|date=February 2021}}

See also

{{Portal|Alaska|Trains}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

=General references=

{{Refbegin}}

  • Alaska Railroad
  • {{Cite web |title=Alaska Railroad: Corporate - Media |url=http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/Media/tabid/438/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221081653/http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/Media/tabid/438/Default.aspx |archive-date=2013-12-21 |access-date=2013-12-19 |publisher=Alaska Railroad |format=PDF }}
  • Surface Transportation Board, [http://www.stb.dot.gov/Decisions/readingroom.nsf/5bd794112371cd7b8525749700191855/48ead85ccc41cf8985257369004c886a?OpenDocument Alaska Railroad Corporation – Construction and Operation Exemption – Rail Line Between Eielson Air Force Base (North Pole) and Fort Greely (Delta Junction)), AK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183409/http://www.stb.dot.gov/Decisions/readingroom.nsf/5bd794112371cd7b8525749700191855/48ead85ccc41cf8985257369004c886a?OpenDocument |date=2016-03-03 }}, October 4, 2007

{{Refend}}

=Historical references=

{{Refbegin|2}}

  • {{Cite journal |editor-last=Adams |editor-first=Cyrus C. |year=1909 |title=Geographical Record: America, Railroads In Alaska |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f-0RAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA28 |journal=Bulletin of the American Geographical Society |volume=XLI |issue=1 |pages=28–29 |access-date=2008-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Alaskan Engineering Commission |url=https://archive.org/details/reports00statgoog |title=Reports of the Alaskan Engineering Commission: For The Period From March 12, 1914 to December 31, 1915 |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1916 |location=Washington |access-date=2009-08-13}}
  • {{Cite journal |last=Alaskan Engineering Commission |year=1917–1918 |title=Official Publication Of The Alaskan Engineering Commission |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H4lEAAAAIAAJ |journal=Alaska Railroad Record |volume=II |issue=1–52 |access-date=2009-08-13}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Bernhardt |first=Joshua |url=https://archive.org/details/alaskanengineer00resegoog |title=The Alaskan Engineering Commission: Its History, Activities And Organization |publisher=D. Appleton and Company |year=1922 |location=New York |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite journal |last=Mears |first=Frederick |year=1917 |title=The Alaska Railroad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fi7sbR0Hx1wC&pg=PA193 |journal=Society of the Chagras, Year Book 1916-17 |pages=193–200 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite journal |last=Steese |first=James Gordon |date=January 1914 |title=Transportation Conditions In Alaska |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WMUGAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA58 |journal=Review of Reviews |volume=XLIX |issue=1 |pages=58–64 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Taft |first=William Howard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EzYuAAAAYAAJ |title=Railway Routes In Alaska: Message From The President Of The United States Transmitting Report Of Alaska Railroad Commission |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1913 |location=Washington |author-link=William Howard Taft |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Tuttle |first=Charles R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RoMUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA172 |title=Alaska: Its meaning To The World, Its Resources, Its Opportunities. Chapter XXI "Celebrating The Railway Victory" |publisher=Frankline Shuey & Co. |year=1914 |location=Seattle, Wash. |pages=172–185 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=Underwood |first=John Jasper |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=deEUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA198 |title=Alaska, An Empire In The Making. Chapter XVI "Transportation and Communication" |publisher=Dodd, Mead and Company |year=1913 |location=New York |pages=198–221 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aTQsAAAAMAAJ |title=Railroads In Alaska: Hearings Before The Committee On The Territories, U.S. Congress, House Of RepresentativesOn The Bill H.R. 18526, To Construct A Railroad And Telegraph Line In The District Of Alaska, and The Bill H.R. 18533, To Aid In The Construction Of A Railroad And Telegraph And Telephone Line In The Territory Of Alaska, February 2, 6, and 9, 1905 |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1905 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mmwvAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PA1 |title=Railroads In Alaska: Hearings Before The Committee On The Territories, U.S. Congress, House Of Representatives, 59th Congress, 1st Session |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1906 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cDQsAAAAMAAJ |title=Railroads In Alaska: Hearings Before The Committee On The Territories, U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, January 24 and 29, 1907 |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1907 |location=Washington |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oTQsAAAAMAAJ |title=Railroads In Alaska: Hearings Before The Committee On The Territories, U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, 60th Congress, 1st Session |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1908 |isbn=9781357028893 |location=Washington |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7opAAAAYAAJ |title=The Building Of Railroads In Alaska: Hearings Before The Committee On The Territories, U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, Sixty-Third Congress, First Session, On Bills H.R. 1739, H.R. 1806 and H.R. 2145 (Part I) |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1913 |location=Washington |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. House of Representatives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28QuAAAAMAAJ |title=Construction of Alaska Railroad: Hearings Before The Committee On The Territories, U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, Sixty-Sixth Congress, First Session On H.R. 7417 |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1919 |location=Washington |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite book |last=U.S. Senate |url=https://archive.org/details/railroadandtele00conggoog |title=Railroad And Telegraph And Telephone Lines In Alaska: Hearings Before The Committee On Territories, United States Senate, On The Bills S. 6937 and S. 6980, February 10, 1905, Bill S. 191, January 27, 1906, Bill H.R. 18891, January 25, 1907, And Senate Document No. 167, Fifty-Ninth Congress, First Session |publisher=Government Printing Office |year=1905–1907 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • {{Cite journal |date=November 7, 1914 |title=The Alaska Railroad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ER8rAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA846 |journal=Engineering & Mining Journal |volume=98 |issue=19 |pages=846 |access-date=2009-08-14}}
  • Also see:
  • {{usc|43|942-1}} Rights of way in Alaska; railroad rights of way; reservations; water transportation connections; State title to submerged lands; Federal repossession as trustee; "navigable waters" defined; posting schedules of rates; changes in rates
  • {{usc|43|942-6}} Rights of way for Alaskan wagon roads, wire rope, aerial, or other tramways; reservations; filing preliminary survey and map of locations; alteration, amendment, repeal, or grant of equal rights; forfeiture of rights; reversion of grant; liens

{{Refend}}