Travelers Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). Tolls. This need spurred the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to search for a way to improve this transportation corridor. In June 1998, DOT&PF awarded the tunnel contract to Kiewit Construction Company, who then selected the firm Hatch Mott MacDonald to design the project. DOT&PF chose the project as its first design/build project. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, better known as the Whittier Tunnel, is the longest dual-use, or bimodal, highway tunnel in North America. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. It’s also the only way to get to Whittier by land. From there they would walk the front of the glacier onto the base of Begich Peak and drop down to Portage Valley. Motorcycles pulling trailers through tunnel … DOT&PF MENU Home; Travel . The tunnel currently bears his name. Book your tickets online for Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Whittier: See 544 reviews, articles, and 187 photos of Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 14 attractions in … Need more details on the distances between these two locations? The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, or more commonly known as the Whittier Tunnel, is 2.5 miles long. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. climbed to Portage Pass and traversed the eastern edge of Portage Glacier to Bear Valley. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Chugach National Forest Historic Park or Site, Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Map. About 1929, Anderson returned to Alaska to do tunneling work and to participate in several major projects. With a new rail connection to Whittier, the area began to change. Like the driving directions from Anchorage to Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel? This line became Alaska's main supply link for the war effort. Chapter 38 Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Chapter 38 Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Section 5. Overwhelmed by choices? Often dropped off at the head of Passage Canal, these adventurers used pack trains, sleds, and pulleys to drag equipment and supplies over Portage Pass in hopes of striking it rich in Cook Inlet or on the Kenai Peninsula. The beauty of Prince William Sound attracts tourists every year. View of a group of people stepping over a pile of rubble in the Whittier Tunnel (Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel) during its construction. As residents and visitors drive to and from Whittier through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel for the first time this summer, they mark the beginning of another phase in the life of a unique transportation corridor. to and from Whittier increased, so did the demand for more convenient and affordable passage to Whittier. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: History and entryway..... - See 544 traveler reviews, 187 candid photos, and great deals for Whittier, AK, at Tripadvisor. In 1943, the military constructed the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, 2 1/2 miles of train tracks running beneath Maynard Mountain. The DOT&PF considered several options, including: After studying all the options, DOT&PF, in consultation with the Alaska Railroad, the public, and tunnel, railroad, and highway experts, determined that the best solution was to construct a highway to Maynard Mountain and transform the existing railroad tunnel into a one-lane, combination highway and railway tunnel that allows cars and trains to take turns traveling through the tunnel. Vehicle turnout for emergency stopping in Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. ANTON ANDERSON MEMORIAL TUNNEL. At 2.7 miles in length, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the longest combined vehicle and railroad tunnel in North America. Please try again. They trekked over Portage Pass and Portage Glacier to trade and fight with the Athabaskan Indians of Cook Inlet. Tunnel Restrictions . As the military pulled out, Whittier transformed into a federally run commercial port. 900. [an error occurred while processing this directive], "Over the Last Muck Pile" History, tunnel facts, operational information, and construction details are available on this website. As part of this design-build contract, the Kiewit team worked out a preliminary design for each component of the project with "over the shoulder review" from DOT&PF and HDR Alaska. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. In 1927, he married Alma Menge, with whom he had three daughters: Jean, Patricia and Shelby. The Alaska Railroad began offering a shuttle service between Portage and Whittier in the mid 1960's. Whittier Alaska Tunnel Information Its official name is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. They used Portage Creek for fishing purposes and established a series of trails along the creek. 20. The man at the front and center of the group is General Simon Bolivar Buckner, and to … DOT&PF contracted with CH2M Hill to design the approaches and the bridges to the tunnel facility. Herndon and Thompson, Inc. constructed this project. On April 23, 1943 workers completed the spur, which consisted of a 1-mile tunnel through Begich Peak and a 2.5-mile tunnel through Maynard Mountain, thus linking Whittier to the Alaska Railroad's main line at Portage. While railroad manager Otto Ohlson championed this route because of its ability to provide a shortcut to a deep-water port (a trip to Seward added 52 more miles), this route didn't become a reality until World War II. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. See the chart which displays detailed distance from Anchorage to Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The 1950s brought change to Whittier once again. Your directions start from Anchorage, AK, USA and end at Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Anchorage, AK, USA. For further questions or information, please contact: The Dena'ina people continued using the valley as a passage between Cochrane Bay and the Turnagain Arm. He passed an engineering examination at Seattle University before moving to the recently founded city of Anchorage, Alaska to work for the Alaskan Engineering Commission. the community to the highway system. Tunnel History "Over the Last Muck Pile" View of a group of people stepping over a pile of rubble in the Whittier Tunnel (Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel) during its construction. Known by locals as the Whittier tunnel or the Portage tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a tunnel through Maynard Mountain. Schedule for vehicle access. This project consisted of 1.5 miles of road, one 500 foot long tunnel and two bridges from the Portage Glacier Highway near the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center to the Bear Valley staging area. April 2000 photo credit: HDR Alaska, Inc. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Nov. 1942. In 1941, the U.S. Army began construction of the railroad spur from Whittier to Portage. Constructing a highway to Maynard Mountain and engineering the 2.5 mile long tunnel to accommodate both a roadway and a railway. Which one is right for you? Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. The tunnel operation services the Port and City of Whittier, the Alaska Marine Map Dream Trip Jump to: Photos; Related: KMTA National Heritage Area Map The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is nearly three miles long and is the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. ). 25. DOT&PF MENU ... 2000 after extensive conversion from a World War II railroad tunnel. HDR Alaska, on behalf of the DOT&PF, prepared the "Whittier Access Project Environmental Impact Statement," an environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Once complete, the rail became Alaska's main supply link for the war effort. Infrastructure—such as buildings (including the six story Buckner building and the Begich Tower), a power plant, and a petroleum tank farm—began to change the landscape. twitter email print. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Studies conducted make clear that there is more demand for access than can be accomdated with the Alaska Railroad's shuttle operation. As the numbers of people traveling Great tunnel Driving through the two mile long, one lane Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is an interesting experience. This unique facility meets all requirements for safety. $825 ($27.50 ea. During the winter of 1998-1999, the rail ties and ballast were … )-Class C: Buses designed to carry 30 or more people including the driver; $137: $1,265 ($126.50 ea.) Right: Alaska Railroad Whittier shuttle passes stockpiles of stone needed for new track and road. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Due to overhead rock and the enclosed tunnel environment, helmets are required for the operator and any passengers. There was a problem with your submission. Prohibitions. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is releasing this Request for Information (RFI) to obtain vendor input regarding implementation and time frames for a replacement toll collection system at the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (AAMT) located in Whittier Alaska. In 1914, he moved to the United States to work as a surveyor in Hoquiam, Washington. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel construction started in 1941 by the U.S. Army to connect Whittier to Portage. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. For further questions or information, please contact: Gordon S. Burton, Facility Manager Phone: 907-472-2584 Definitions. Motorcycles pulling trailers with tires less 3.5 inches in width are not recommended to use the tunnel. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. He participated in the construction of the Eklutna hydroelectric power project dam. Growing demand for access to Whittier spurred the DOT&PF to link For further questions or information, please contact: 17 AAC 38.005. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. You’ll go through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—the longest (2.5 miles) highway tunnel in North America, and the first designed for -40 Fahrenheit temperatures and 150 mph winds! Whittier's geographical location makes it the ideal gateway for freight ships, cruise lines, fishers, and recreational boaters. Hotels near Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: (2.44 km) Inn At Whittier (3.06 km) Ramada by Wyndham Juneau (10.88 km) Portage Valley Cabins and RV Park (2.95 km) June's Whittier Bed and Breakfast Condos (2.95 km) Portage Cove Campground; View all hotels near Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel … 7-10 days is the most common. Left: Steam locomotive traverses Bear Valley shortly after the tunnel opens. Transporting roadway/rail panels into the tunnel in winter 1998-99. photo credit: ©Chris Arend. $38: $330 ($33 ea.) Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: Cool tunnel that has history - See 542 traveler reviews, 177 candid photos, and great deals for Whittier, AK, at Tripadvisor. Railroad Corporation began to consider ways to construct a railroad spur to what is now the town of Whittier. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Running under an entire mountain, the longest highway tunnel in North America is kept fresh using portal fans and jet fans. Whittier has been a port on the Alaska Marine Highway, but its only link to Alaska's highways was via the Alaska Railroad. DOT&PF MENU ... WHITTIER TUNNEL CLOSURE April 22nd, 2020 (Wednesday) 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM ... History, tunnel facts, operational information, and construction details are available on this website. Self-drive vacations. 15. Size, Tunnel Restrictions, Using a high-speed electric train service, Constructing a highway route over the mountain, Constructing a highway route through the tunnel. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is nearly three miles long and is the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. Traffic control devices. This turn of events also provided the opportunity for the private ownership and development potential that exists today. Dangerous and objectionable materials will not be allowed through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. The tunnel provides access for Whittier to the road system. History, tunnel facts, operational information, and construction details are available on this website. Whittier Harbor. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel History. Anton Anderson was the chief engineer for the project that brought rail access to Whittier. The ice and water control liner was assembled in Portage Lake Tunnel for use in the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. HDR brought together nationally recognized experts in design/build law, tunnel engineering, ventilation, tunnel control systems and railroad and railroad signal systems. This unique form of rail service allowed vehicles to drive on to flat cars to be transported between Whittier and Portage. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Enjoy the unique experience of a trip to Whittier, Alaska, driving the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America! ANTON ANDERSON MEMORIAL TUNNEL. Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Vehicle Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was originally constructed as a railroad tunnel during World War II. 55. 35. Car, train, or group tour. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. This ice-free harbor is great for any avid boater. It links the Seward Highway south of Anchorage with Whittier and is the only land access to the town. During this period, Portage Glacier still covered most of Portage Lake. Whittier is an easy 63-mile drive south of Anchorage on the scenic Seward Highway or Highway “1” on driving maps. HDR Alaska was contracted to produce a conceptual design, write the performance specifications on which the final tunnel design was based and assist DOT&PF manage the construction contract. For further questions or information, please contact: Gordon S. Burton, Facility Manager Phone: 907-472-2584 Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 5300 East Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99507 Fax: 907-472-2533 In 1914 the Alaska This route, however, was both difficult and dangerous. Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. It is located just over an hour from the big city of Anchorage, by heading south on the Scenic Seward Highway. This material will not be allowed to … Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. This mountain tunnel in Alaska is the longest one-lane highway tunnel in North America. Russian fur traders and early settlers continued to use the valley, establishing a trail along the creek and the Portage and Bu… It’s at the end of a stunning scenic drive in Alaska, too. The longest highway tunnel in North America, Alaska’s Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is something extra spectacular. Travel between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm has always been a vital part of life in Alaska, although modes and routes have continued to change. Whittier, Alaska Its design and construction will benefit all State of Alaska constituents and will provide the efficient and affordable access to Whittier and Prince William Sound that people have long sought. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the environmental impact statement (EIS) in November 1995. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. For details on design and construction, see the Tunnel Design page in this website. See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. In the mid-1940s, work crews and supply ships began to arrive, and population, including military and civilian personnel, swelled to over 1,000. The man at the front and center of the group is General Simon Bolivar Buckner, and to his right is Colonel Benjamin Talley. Tunnel. The berths can accommodate … Visit Website Email. The earliest evidence of the Portage Valley being used for transportation dates back to early A.D, when the Inuit people used the flat, low-lying valley as a pass through the Chugach Mountains. Anderson was born in Moonlight, New Zealand to a Swedish father and an Irish mother. Chugach Eskimos have hunted and gathered in this area for thousands of years. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. The main advantages of using Whittier as a rail port was that it was a shorter voyage, reduced exposure of ships to Japanese submarines, reduced the risk of Japanese bombing the port facilities because of the bad weather, and avoided the steep railroad grades required to traverse the Kenai Mountains. $2,970 ($99 ea. 2-5 day small ship explorations. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is located on the Portage Glacier Highway, which connects the City of Whittier and Prince William Sound to the Seward Highway and the rest of South-Central Alaska (see Exhibit B-1). Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? ... History, tunnel facts, operational information, and construction details are available on this website. Mr. Anderson came to Alaska in 1919, where he served as the location engineer for the Matanuska Valley colonization project, engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, chief … Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Please check your email to verify your subscription. The one-lane tunnel must be shared by cars and trains traveling in both directions, and it usually needs to be aired out in between trips (with jet turbine ventilation, another first! It is the longest highway tunnel in North America, and one of the strongest. Pay attention to the access schedule. Designation and applicability. It is a unique passage into and out of the town of Whittier and the gateway to Prince William Sound and all the fun it has to offer. Vehicle classification. The project consisted of more than 50 separate design and construction tasks, and construction began in September 1998. I’d long wanted to traverse the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel heading to Whittier, Alaska and the Prince William Sound ().The tiny town of Whittier holds a couple hundred people where nearly the entire population lives in a single building.You might wonder why the government built a tunnel nearly two and half miles long through solid stone for so few people. Many miners and prospectors also used Portage Pass to reach the gold fields of Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula in the late 19th century. ANTON ANDERSON MEMORIAL TUNNEL. It’s actually designed for 150 mph winds and -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. Email Us. The one-lane tunnel operates on a private schedule, alternating between service for private cars and the Alaska Railroad every half-hour. * Copies of permits must be provided to the tunnel operator before access will be granted. close. Highlights plus less visited destinations. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. (See the Project History page of this website for more information.) The tunnel served as the supply route from the port of Whittier to inland Alaska. The project began in July 1928, with major units of the project—the dams, tunnel and … Anton Anderson, an Army engineer, headed up the construction.