Repairs complete on avalanche-damaged Alaska Railroad tracks

The Alaska Railroad tracks that an avalanche hit final week close to Girdwood have been repaired and are again in service, restoring a key hyperlink between Alaska’s Railbelt and Decrease 48 rail freight.

In a information launch, the Alaska Railroad says its crews completed the repairs on Friday afternoon.

The avalanche occurred about 4 days earlier — a while on the evening of Jan. 16. A freight practice certain from Whittier to Anchorage bumped into avalanche particles on the observe. There have been no accidents, however the impression derailed two locomotives, partially derailed a 3rd and held up 1000’s of tons of freight.

Crews cleared the snow, obtained two of the locomotives again on the tracks final week, and moved the third one out of the way in which. The Alaska Railroad says it plans to re-rail it this week, relying on climate and security situations.

The rail connection to Whittier can also be a connection to Seattle. The Alaska Railroad runs particular marine barges with railroad tracks on them that facilitate loading and unloading practice vehicles. About as soon as every week, the barge delivers practice vehicles loaded in Seattle to Whittier.

Christy Terry, a spokesperson for the Alaska Railroad, says the barge supply schedule is already versatile relying on climate, so the results of delay from the avalanche ought to be minimal.