Healy has figured prominently in the running of The Alaska Railroad since the construction days of the early 1920's. By 1921, except for a short portion over Riley Creek, the line was completed between Healy and Nenana, including grading work, track laying, bridge construction, and three tunnels.

On February 5, 1922, the last rail was laid over the Riley Creek Bridge. All that remained to be constructed was a spur to the mine at Healy. That spur was located on June 1, 1922; construction was begun on July 1: grading was completed by October 15; and the spur was in service by October 28 when the first shipment of coal occurred.

Through the years, The Railroad has remained a vital operation at Healy. Besides the depot and houses for ARR employees, the Railroad maintains a yard, a power plant, and a round house here, which have undergone major upgrading in the past two years. This has included extensive track work, construction of a wye, and installation of pollution controls at the round house. The Railroad's Healy Hotel, where railroad road crews and employees temporarily detailed to Healy stay, has been completely remodeled.

This summer, even more work is being done. One hundred-fifteen pound switches are being installed as well as 115-pound rail on the curves between Healy and the mine. At the mine itself, ARR tracks are being upgraded, and drainage work is occurring.

"Healy will continue to be a very important part of Alaska Railroad operations as it has in the past," says William L. Dorcy, ARR General Manager.