Whittier tunnel closes for rock stabilization work

ANCHORAGE — The state-run tunnel taking vehicle and train traffic to and from the port town of Whittier has been closed for rock-stabilization work after two boulders fell near the side of the roadway this week.

Department of Transportation spokeswoman Shannon McCarthy said the 500-pound rocks were discovered Tuesday morning after falling overnight while the tunnel was closed for the night.

McCarthy said a fissure was found in the rock wall near the loose rock. A contractor is working on required repairs Wednesday afternoon through Thursday.

McCarthy said the department will escort traffic in and out of the area Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. No date has yet been set for a full reopening of the tunnel.

McCarthy said the tunnel’s train schedule is on hold until the stabilization is complete.

Previous
With four new buses, Capital Transit gets face-lift
Next
Fuel tank overturns into river along Richardson Highway

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 17

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Rep. Andi Story, a Juneau Democrat, listens to a presentation during a House Education Committee meeting May 3, 2024, at the Alaska State Capitol. Story has been named co-chair of the committee for the upcoming legislative session. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State Rep. Andi Story to co-chair House Education Committee under new Democrat-led majority

Sara Hannan remains on Finance Committee as Juneau representatives look to play bigger roles

Larry Gamez and Rachel Ceja collect items for a Thanksgiving food basket to deliver to a house in the Mendenhall Valley on Saturday morning as part of St. Vincent de Paul’s annual distribution program. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Matching those hungry to help with those hungry to feast carries on as pre-Thanksgiving ritual

Food baskets delivered to hundreds of homes, food bank hosts annual drive on Saturday before holiday.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 19, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Empire Archives: Juneau’s history for the week ending Nov. 23

Three decades of capital city coverage.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree reaches Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to much celebration. (U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree photo)
Santa’s truck-driving helpers are east bound and down to Washington, DC

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree completes multiweek cross-country journey from Wrangell.

The Palmer project would sit in the watershed of the Chilkat River, pictured here. (Scott McMurren/Flickr under Creative Commons license 2.0)
Japanese smelting giant pulls out of major Southeast Alaska mining project

Palmer development, above the salmon-bearing Chilkat River, has for years fueled political divisions.

Juneau Police Department cars are parked outside the downtown branch station on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
JPD’s daily incident reports getting thinner and vaguer. Why and does it matter?

Average of 5.12 daily incidents in October down from 10.74 a decade ago; details also far fewer.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read