Why build a road to Whittier?
The project represents a long-term goal to better connect Whittier to the rest of Alaska. A port for the Alaska Marine Highway System since the 1960s, Whittier has never had a direct link to the highway system. The Alaska Railroad has linked the “highways” on both sides of the mountain by shuttling automobiles on flatcars through the tunnel. Earlier this year, the Federal Railroad Administration issued regulations that will require all vehicles to be secured and all passengers to leave their vehicles and ride in a passenger rail car. In addition, Whittier residents, weekend recreators, truckers, commercial fishermen, the tourism industry, and many others expressed the desire for more convenient and less expensive access to beautiful Prince William Sound and Whittier. After numerous economic and engineering studies over the years, a cost-effective solution a dual use tunnel was found that could be built with the funding available. The solution is also consistent with the volumes of rail
