All in a Day's Work

Portraying the various types of work and special challenges that occur along the rails of the Alaska Railroad

 

The avalanche photo was down on Bird Flats in the late 1980's. It came down late in the spring (note the lack of snow low on the mountain) and therefore picked up rocks, dirt & trees. When it came across the Seward highway and hit the tracks, it had enough force to take the track into Turnagain Arm. They had to actually cut the rails apart as it stayed intact when it went into the water. It was relatively easy to get back into service as the highway was right next to it and access was easy for people and getting materials. Below is another photo of the same spot showing the track crew finishing up repairs as the sun goes down.

AIADW

AIADW #2

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