Information
The Alaska Railroad has several major changes planned for 2006. Denali National Park & Preserve Depot– The Alaska Railroad finished work on its depot at Denali National Park & Preserve in the summer of 2004. The new facility features better bus staging and improved loading and unloading areas for passengers exploring the more than six million wild acres in one of Alaska’s most parks. Spencer Glacier Tour– This tour began in 2003 and was expanded in 2004 to give passengers more time to enjoy glacierstudded Spencer Lake before taking a scenic float down the Placer River. The entire excursion is guided, and lunch and rain gear and rubber boots are provided. The tour departs from Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage or Whittier. Palmer Depot – Railroad officials recently cut the ribbon on a brand-new “intermodal” transportation port for trains, busses, shuttles, vans and other modes of transportation carrying visitors to Palmer, about 40 miles north of Anchorage in Southcentral Alaska. Alaska Railroad trains will be able to use the new transportation center to help smooth the transport of passengers from First Class coaches– The Alaska Railroad will build on its unique passenger fleet with the addition of first class train cars in 2005. The cars will feature custom-designed interiors with original Alaskan art and sweeping views from oversized windows. The end of the car will also have an outdoor viewing platform with a glass roof for optimum, 180-degree views. When operational, the cars will join the Denali Star train that operates daily from midMay to mid-September between Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Covering 32 acres, the new site will be able to support three times the current number of trains to meet projected passenger growth over the next 30 years. The Alaska Railroad Corporation is a self-sustaining, full-service railroad serving ports and communities from the Gulf of Alaska to Fairbanks. Owned by the State of Alaska since 1985, the Railroad is overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor of Alaska. ANCHORAGE - The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is polishing the Blue and Gold and sounding the horns, inviting the public to its annual Anchorage Open House taking place on Saturday April 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alaska Railroad Historic Depot (411 First Avenue). “I can’t think of a better way to kick off an Alaskan summer,” said Pat Gamble, President and CEO of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. “Every year at this time, we look forward to showing businesses and communities what their Railroad is all about...serving Alaskans.” This annual event is a volunteer effort put on by railroaders and friends of the Railroad, with a special focus on kids and kids at heart. Events include: • Free round trip train rides from the Historic Depot • Free Popcorn and refreshments • Free railroad items for kids • Safety posters designed by students from Government Hill Elementary • Hot dogs and candy bars sold by the Government Hill Elementary School PTA to raise funds for their organization. Government Hill is an ARRC School-Business Partner. • Miniature model railcars • Displays of passenger, maintenance, and other railroad equipment. • Updates on current and planned capital projects. • Live music from Elmendorf’s Air Force Band of the Pacific, Alaska Brass • A free raffle for a two sets of round trip gift passes for two to Seward, one set of round trip gift passes for two to Denali and a copy of a framed 2005 Alaska Railroad poster. ARRC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure its facilities are accessible to the public. Individuals with special accommodation needs should contact the railroad at 2652494. ARRC is a self-sustaining, state-owned Corporation that operates without state subsidy, serving a number of rail belt communities from Seward to Fairbanks. The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) turned in an exceptional performance for a second year running – topping 2003 record-level earnings, growing our passenger business beyond expectations and maintaining hard-fought safety results. Critical to our success has been the support of Alaska’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Frank Murkowski: their vision for developing the State’s resources and transportation system provides a compass for the Railroad’s strategic plans. Thanks to them and the hard work of the Alaska Legislature.
check out the Alaskan Search
