Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
Greenland
Mexico
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Engineering feat · Whittier, Alaska
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
A 4.1 km tunnel under the mountain that links Whittier to the rest of Alaska, with a single lane shared by cars and trains on alternating schedules. It is the longest road tunnel in North America.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel cuts through Maynard Mountain for 4.1 km and is Whittier’s only land connection to the rest of Alaska. It was opened by the U.S. Army during World War II for trains carrying supplies to Whittier’s military port, sheltered by mountains and clouds. The name honors the engineer who led the project.
For decades only trains used it, and cars were transported on railcars. In 2000, the tunnel was adapted to carry cars on the same track as the rails in a unique system: cars, trucks and trains alternate, and traffic flows in convoys in each direction according to a published schedule.
Because it is narrow and single-lane, it is considered the longest road tunnel in North America and the longest tunnel shared by highway and railway. At both ends there are stations with waiting and control areas, and the passage takes about ten minutes.
The tunnel closes at night, and a toll is charged at the entrance toward Whittier.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About ten minutes to cross, plus waiting for the scheduled convoy.
Best time
Arrive a few minutes before your convoy time and check the schedule, which changes in summer and winter. It closes at night: if you miss the last departure you will be stuck in Whittier.
How to get there
Via Portage Glacier Road, which branches from the Seward Highway near Portage, about 75 km from Anchorage. The entrance is near the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The toll is charged on the way into Whittier; check schedules and fees before you go.
Tip
Plan your return according to the tunnel schedule: the last departures from Whittier are strict. Follow staff instructions and keep your headlights on.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
How does the Whittier tunnel work?
Cars and trains share a single lane, traveling in convoys that alternate direction according to a published schedule. The tunnel closes at night.
How long does it take to cross the Whittier tunnel?
About ten minutes, plus waiting for the scheduled convoy.
Is there a toll to pass through the Whittier tunnel?
Yes, a toll is collected at the entrance toward Whittier. Check fees and schedules before you go.