Whittier Access Rock Slide

[Chenega]

Nature has sure been on display up here this year. First Redoubt Volcano, then a rockslide on Saturday night that blocked the road to Whittier. State Department of Transportation crews hope to have it cleared by Thursday.

Whittier is still accessible by train but the road is cut off by the slide.

 

For more information, go to the Anchorage Daily News website at http://www.adn.com

[ARRTrain]

www.adn.com is now reporting the Whittier Road will be closed until sometime this weekend or longer.

 

The Alaska Railroad has started up passenger trains to Whittier and after today will not charge for the train ride.

[AlFrank]

We planned on driving from ANC to Whittier in late May. We were going to do the scenic ride with stops down Turnagain Arm. Do you thing everything will be back to normal by then or should we start to rethink our plans?

[ARRTrain]

Everything will opened by then.

[themerle]

I like to hear whats going on in Alaska. I do read the Anchorage news from time to time but missed this. Thanks for the information.

[The Mentalist]

Unstable slope halts Whittier road work

Associated Press - April 21, 2009 3:14 PM ET

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The reopening of the road to Whittier is on hold again.

A rock slide April 11 left a 300-foot pile of rubble as high as 30 feet on the road.

State Department of Transportation spokesman Roger Wetherell says officials are worried about a large rock slab at the top of the slide area.

He says the slab at first was thought to be stable but cracks and fissures have appeared to indicate it could fall and endanger workers below.

A geologist will make a recommendation on how to stabilize the slope.

Wetherell says he's not sure how long it will take to assess the threat and take steps to address it.

The rail line to Whittier was not affected.

 

[themerle]

Thanks for the update.

[The Mentalist]

Anyone from Anchorage.... Update on clearing the rockslide?

 

Thank you.

[want2retire]

MAWM had posted earlier today and suggested checking www.KTUU.com for updates on the slide. Hopefully they will have it all cleaned up for cruise season!