FCTSHT_2024_Bridge_284.2_Rehabilitation.pdf

February 12

Bridge 284.2 Rehabilitation Project Scope

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) proposes to rehabilitate the 914-foot nine-span bridge crossing Hurricane Gulch at ARRC milepost 284.2, about equidistant from Talkeetna to the south and Denali to the north.

The bridge is a steel structure consisting of a 384-foot main arch span with truss and girder approach spans on either side.

The project proposes targeted repair and rehabilitation work on aging components (refer to the drawings on the page 2). This work consists of:

• rehabilitate the 384-foot deck arch span

• realign or replace the expansion bearings at piers 2 and 5

• repair spalling concrete at existing foundations

• install maintenance and inspection platforms

• secure piers 3 and 4 into the existing slopes with rock bolt anchors

• stabilize the south canyon wall to mitigate future erosion

• stabilize the eroding channel along the southwest corner of abutment 1

Purpose and Need The project’s rehabilitation activities will maintain bridge safety and load capacity, enhance the stability of the track infrastructure, and extend the useful life of the bridge.

This effort will help ensure railroad infrastructure remains

The 914-foot steel bridge spans Hurricane Gulch at ARRC milepost 284.2, about 60 miles south of Denali.

Talkeetna

MP 227

Denali

MP 348

Fairbanks

MP 470

Cantwell

Whittier

MP FO

Seward

MP 3

Eielson MP G24Nenana

MP 412

Healy

MP 358

Hurricane

Willow

Wasilla

MP 160 MP A6.5

Anchorage

MP 114

Palmer Pa rks Hwy

Glenn Hwy

Alaska Railroad

Richardson Hwy

N

S

EW

Talkeetna

MP 227

Denali

MP 348

Fairbanks

MP 470

Cantwell

Whittier

MP FO

Seward

MP 3

Eielson MP G24Nenana

MP 412

Healy

MP 358

Hurricane

Willow

Wasilla

MP 160 MP A6.5

Anchorage

MP 114

Palmer Pa rks Hwy

Glenn Hwy

Alaska Railroad

Richardson Hwy

Portage

MP 64 N

S

EW

MP 319

MP 186

MP 284.2

Alaska Railroad Bridge 284.2 Rehabilitation • Page 2

Since completion in 1921, Hurricane Gulch Bridge has relied upon sturdy steel piers to navigate a rugged and plunging ravine.

Pictured is the west-side girder detail, looking south.

in a state of good repair. The integrity of bridge infrastructure ensures the safety and reliability of rail operations to meet business demands. General bridge rehabilitation benefits are outlined in the current Bridge Program fact sheet.

Status

• Preliminary studies, environmental reviews, design and permitting began summer of 2022.

• The project is 30% designed. The project team is preparing environmental review documentation to meet National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. In 2024, NEPA documents will be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for review.

• Project construction to be bid in the first quarter of 2025.

• Construction to begin third quarter 2025 and continue into the third quarter of 2026, with completion by the end of 2026.

Cost and Funding The project is estimated to cost $23.0 million. Funding is anticipated to be 80% FTA formula funds with a required 20% match from ARRC.

More Information For more project information, email to Public_Comment@akrr.com. The ARRC Bridge Program fact sheet is available at AlaskaRailroad.com > Corporate > Projects (look under Systemwide Projects).

The top deck of the bridge at ARRC milepost 284.2 crossing the sizeable Hurricane Gulch.

Project Area - Bridge MP 284.2, Top View to Fairbanksto Anchorage Project Area - Bridge MP 284.2, Side View mailto:kabellad@akrr.com