On April 17, 2021 the last CN barge docked in Whittier, AK and me with the day off decided I would spend the day documenting the last 125S.

The last CN barge train is seen here on the curve at Potter along Turnagain Arm. While this train was about 6000’ long only 35 cars were destined for the CN barge. The rest would be for the ARMS barge which from this point forward would be the only barge serving Whittier from US or Canada. While Prince Rupert was closer to Whittier I guess the CN just figured it wasn’t worth the effort. In any event this is photo one from that eventful day. 

 

Shot No 2 in this series shows this Whittier bound freight rounding the corner at MP 83 as a tiny spec against the Chugach Mountains.
The railroad is hard against Turnagain Arm on one side and the Seward Hwy on the other. Plenty of beautiful scenery in this area.

 

No 3 in this series shows a matched trio of Geeps leading this train through the curve at Brookman. Named for employee Kerry Brookman who lost his life here while cleaning up an avalanche when another one came down and buried him.

 

No 4 in the series is similar to no 3 however it is a Friday afternoon in Alaska and soon the Seward Highway will be full of traffic just like this. For now it’s just the train and an almost open road.

 

No 5 in this series: Now on the Whittier Branch the train passes Coho a not often used siding for meets but used frequently my MOW. In this few it seems to be frozen on all sides.
In the distance is Portage and CP120. Behind that is Turnagain Arm with Kenai Mountains on the left and the Chugach Mountains on the right.

 

No 6 in this series. The train has arrived Whittier, seen here exiting the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It is a rather unique tunnel one in which both automobiles and trains share.
Anybody that wants to visit Whittier must first traverse this 2.5 mile road/rail tunnel that the train is exiting. In the right you can see a line of cars waiting their turn.
Once the train clears tunnel control will vent the tunnel and cars will roll through. I believe on half hour they enter Whittier and on the hour they can depart.
Trains are not as tightly scheduled although in the summer the preferred openings are 10 till the hour and 20 after the hour. 

 

No 7 in this series the train has arrived Whittier and will cross Whittier Creek to yard their Train. This is a very photogenic spot on Prince William Sound. 

 

No 8 in this series. Doubling into the yard with second cut allowed to get an aerial shot at the same location as photo number 7. The elevation helps a bit in my opinion.

 

No 9 in this series. The train is pulling to the very west end of the Whittier Yard. In the background is the Begich Towers where 95% of Whittier’s population resides.

 

No 10 in this series. The 3 Geeps have arrived at the end of the line in Whittier. In the background is Prince William Sound.

 

Photographs courtesy of Frank Keller