Alaska Railroad News Archives

Fires disrupt Alaska Railroad Service - 7/7/24

On June 30, 2024 a fire started near the railroad tracks just north of the Denali Depot. The fire grew to 300 acres in just two hours. Denali National Park closed and all bus and train service was halted. Multiple aircraft and smokejumpers responded including large and small scoopers and an air tanker to suppress this wildfire. Employees were forced to evacuate from park housing and stayed in the nearby town of Healy. As of July 2 the wildfire had burned 388 acres and was 25% contained. 200 people were staffing the blaze. On July 5th power was restored to the area. On July 6th residents of campus housing were given the OK to move back onto park grounds. Also, on July 6th the Alaska Railroad made a service announcement, "The Alaska Railroad will resume its usual service with a slight change: train arrivals and departures will now occur at the Healy Depot instead of the Denali Depot. This change will remain in effect until the evacuation order is lifted. Northbound and southbound passengers headed to Denali National Park will disembark at the Healy Depot. From there, they need to arrange shuttle transportation to their accommodations." During the fire, all Princess facilities were closed except the Kenai Princess Lodge. Passengers were bused to various locations for lodging. The Alaska Railroad ran a train, designated AX for Anchorage Express, consisting of six coaches, from Anchorage to Whittier. Supposedly Denali National Park will reopen Wednesday July 10 and all train traffic will use Denali Depot. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Photos below show the start of the fire and the Alaska Railroad Anchorage Express (AX).

Three Union Pacific SD70M locomotives arrive in Whittier - 7/3/24 By John Combs and Robert Krol

The Alaska Railroad has leased three Union Pacific SD70M locomotives for the summer to alleviate a shortage of power. [More]