Alaska Railroad restores service north of Anchorage

Rail News Home Maintenance Of Way 8/22/2019 Rail News: Maintenance Of Way
Alaska Railroad suspended some freight and passenger rail service for several days due to a retaining wall failure and forest fires.Photo – Shutterstock

Alaska Railroad Corp. yesterday announced it has restored freight and passenger service north of Anchorage following several days of suspension due to a retaining wall failure and forest fires.

Regularly scheduled overnight freight service between Anchorage and Fairbanks resumed Aug. 20, and passenger service resumed Aug. 21, railroad officials said in a press release.

As a result of the failed retaining wall near Healy Canyon, rail passengers were transported by motor coach between Denali Park and Healy. A second service disruption was caused by the McKinley fire north of Willow. The fire required motor coach service for all passengers between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.

Railroad officials said they will continue monitoring track conditions in both areas, and work with officials managing the Mckinley fire as a safety precaution.