Soldotna-June 2, 2011-We checked the weather today and it looked like a nice day to head to Whittier. It will take us about 2 hours to get there and we travel right through a Wildlife Refuge and maybe we will see a bear. Whittier is surrounded by three glaciers and is an ice-free port. In 1941, a port and railroad terminus project was undertaken by the U.S. Army to transport fuel and other supplies into Alaska during World War II. On November 20, 1943, the “holing through” ceremonies were held on the Whittier-cutoff and the first passenger train was run through the Whittier tunnels on March 10, 1943. The Whittier tunnel is 2.5 miles long. During the years Whittier operated as a military base, the town was known as the “city under one roof.” The Buchner Building, which is still in the background of the town; was once the largest building in Alaska, and contained 1,000 apartments, a hospital, bowling alley, theater, library, shops, gymnasium and a pool. Later, the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake severely damaged this facility. The building still stands but it's empty with broken windows and rundown look.
In 2000 a change came to this small town. For the first time ever, residents and tourists were able to reach Whittier by road. The State of Alaska transformed the existing railroad tunnel into a one-lane, combination highway and railway tunnel that allows cars and trains to take turns traveling through. This landmark effort is the longest highway tunnel in North America and the only one-way reversible traffic tunnel shared with a train in the world. It is so remarkable! You line up and wait for the traffic light to turn green and drive 2 and 1/2 miles through the tunnel on railroad tracks. I hope the schedule never gets mixed up. I wouldn't want to see a big headlight on a engine staring me in the face. It is so cool. I loved the experience. On the drive back we saw a wolf. Once again, no time for a photo. Blah, Blah, Blah. /Marilyn
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