Alaska’s one true golden spike. Driven in by President Warren Harding in 1923, it ceremonially marked the completion of the Alaska Railroad, linking coast to interior.

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The Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train service, operating through mid-May, offers weekend journeys between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - It’s not exactly the Polar Express, but families enjoyed the spirit of the season, riding a train with Santa and his elves for a festive family event hosted by the Alaska Railroad on Saturday.

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We have our own version of wrapped this year... loco wraps that is!

This summer, the Alaska Railroad expanded its operations with the addition of two SD70MAC locomotives-now officially units 4129 and 4130! These engines have already proven their value, completing 22 service runs by mid-summer to meet rising freight demands, particularly in Seward and Whittier. What's next? A bold transformation! These red locomotives are being revamped with ARRC's iconic blue-and-gold look, a testament to our enduring legacy. This process builds on the success of our first wrapped locomotive, #4328, featuring a durable centennial design crafted by International Name Plate Supplies Ltd. in 2023. We can't wait for you to see these engines roll out in style-keeping Alaska connected and moving forward.

Facebook time lapse video: Lolli Morrow
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Catherine Kirk says her father, Ben Nysewander, is auctioning the Gold Spike, driven at Nenana signifying the completion of the Alaska Railroad, through Christies.

"My dad asked me to reach out and let you know that the spike will be going up for auction through Christie's in January. It is my hope that the spike will finally end up in a museum so that it can be appreciated by all the railroad and history enthusiasts out there."

"The auction itself will take place on Friday, January 24th starting at 10:00am New York time. The silver section will be at the end of the sale, so might not start until about 2:00pm, but it’s a bit difficult to say at this point since I don’t know the full lot count, or what lot the spike will specifically be. To watch the auction live on the day of the sale, if you go to the home page linked above, in the upper right hand corner there will be a black box which says “Join Auction”"

"Once you agree to the terms and confirm you’re not a robot, click “join auction” and a new tab will open. This will have a video feed of the auctioneer, as well as a scrolling list of the upcoming lots. This will let you watch everything that’s going on, and follow the results in real time. There’s a few sales coming up in the next couple weeks both in New York and London if you want to try it out ahead of time!"

I appreciate Catherine giving me a "heads up" and have passed the information on to the Anchorage Museum as well as the Alaska Railroad. Here's hoping it will get into the hands of someone who will put it out for public display!
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The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) proposes to rehabilitate the Portage Tunnel located at milepost (MP) F5.8 of the Whittier Branch line. Completion of the project will improve the overall safety and reliability of this critical infrastructure.

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March 22, 2025

The Ski Train takes you to Alaska’s roadless backcountry for a day of cross-country skiing, back-country skiing, or snowshoeing. From Anchorage, the train journeys north to Curry, a remote area north of Talkeetna. Curry used to be home to a ski resort, long since lost to a fire; today, the Ski Train is a once-a-year chance to get out and explore this terrain.

On the train, enjoy the scenery, play games, and picnic with friends. Off the train, ski, or snowshoe terrain for all levels of skiers and snowshoers.

The Ski Train is a fundraiser for the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage.

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2024 Ski Train photos

2018 Ski Train Video

Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT) are collaborating on a pioneering project that uses unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to advance avalanche mitigation technology. 

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Each year, the Alaska Railroad Corporation commissions an artist to produce artwork that is the basis for a limited edition print, poster and lapel pin and other gifts and materials. The annual Alaska Railroad artwork is a favorite among rail fans and Alaska art collectors. The Alaska Railroad typically hosts print and poster signings with the artist at a couple locations along the Railbelt.

For 2025, ARRC commissioned artist Scott Clendaniel for the official commemorative posters/prints. The artwork features some of Alaska's favorite animal riding aboard a GoldStar coach. The public can meet Scott at two public sign-and-sale events scheduled for 2025.

ANCHORAGE: Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. a the Anchorage Historic Depot at 411 W. 1st Avenue.

FAIRBANKS: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. at the Fairbanks Railroad Depot at 1031 Railroad Depot Road.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Wednesday, Oct. 30, that the Port of Seward and the Don Young Port of Alaska were selected to receive over $47.6 million through EPA’s Clean Ports Program to support zero-emission port technology and infrastructure.

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Alaska – Bridge 413.7 Rehabilitation Project (Up to $43,071,887) Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) The proposed project was selected for Final Design and Construction and includes rehabilitation of the existing 1,298-foot, 12-span, through truss bridge across the Tanana River in Nenana, Alaska. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety and improving system and service performance, as the project will extend the bridge's useful life to carry mainline freight and passenger rail traffic between Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska’s two largest cities. The Alaska Railroad Corporation will contribute the 20 percent non-Federal match. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas.

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ARRC is seeking a contractor to perform a high-level audit of the Alaska Railroad's (ARR) locomotive maintenance procedures. The audit aims to evaluate current practices, identify areas for improvement, and enhance locomotive availability and reliability.

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The Loram rail grinder and Union Pacific locomotives are all going south on this barge. The Loram rail grinder is sitting in Princess track preparing loading while BR-32 waits for winter Whittier yard service. All three Union Pacific locomotives are being returned.

 

In Anchorage:

 

10.15.2024 City Council Regular Meeting; The ARR presentation begins at 43:50.

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The Alaska Railroad is looking into the purchase of a new hi-rail crane. Check out Appendix C for specifications and some cool reference photos.

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My sources in Whittier told me the LORAM rail grinder arrived on the barge on October 10. It is currently on the Princess track and should be rolling out on October 11. It will be on the rails for two weeks, covering the entire railroad and then head back to the lower 48.

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Henry and Mary Krull have purchased Troop Kitchen car #0020 and are moving it to Soldotna as part of the mecca at Whistle Hill.

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“It’s a Dall sheep!” the train tour guide exclaims as we swoop past a jagged cliffside dotted with fuzzy white creatures impressively balanced on their rocky perch.

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