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List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Alaska facts for kids

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This article is about some really old and important bridges and tunnels in Alaska. These structures are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their history and how they helped shape Alaska.

Historic Bridges and Tunnels in Alaska

Alaska Central Railroad Tunnel No. 1

AlaskaCentralRRTunnel1
Alaska Central Railroad Tunnel No. 1

The Alaska Central Railroad Tunnel No. 1 is an important part of Alaska's railway history. It is located near Seward in the Kenai Peninsula. This tunnel was first built in 1906 and then improved in 1916. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Tunnels like this one were crucial for trains to travel through tough mountain areas, helping to connect different parts of Alaska.

Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel

SewardWithLowellCreekOutfall
The outfall of the Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel near Seward.

Also located in Seward, the Lowell Creek Diversion Tunnel is a unique engineering project. It was built between 1939 and 1940. This tunnel was designed to divert the powerful waters of Lowell Creek, especially during floods, to protect the town of Seward. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It shows how people used clever solutions to deal with Alaska's challenging natural environment.

Miles Glacier Bridge (Million Dollar Bridge)

Million dollar bridge
The Miles Glacier Bridge, also known as the Million Dollar Bridge.

The Miles Glacier Bridge is often called the "Million Dollar Bridge" because of its high cost to build. It is located near Cordova in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area. This impressive bridge was completed in 1910. It is a type of bridge called a Pennsylvania through truss, which means the main structure goes above and below the bridge deck. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This bridge was a vital link for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, helping to transport copper from mines.

Susitna River Bridge

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The Susitna River Bridge in 1920.

The Susitna River Bridge is another historic railway bridge in Alaska. It is found near Gold Creek in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. This bridge was built between 1920 and 1921. It is a through truss bridge, similar to the Miles Glacier Bridge, where the train passes through the main framework. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This bridge was an important part of the Alaska Railroad, connecting different regions and supporting the state's growth.

Grant Street Trestle

The Grant Street Trestle was located in Ketchikan in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. It was built in 1906 and later updated in 1927. While it was once listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was removed from the list in 1988 because it was no longer standing. A trestle is a type of bridge that uses a framework of beams to support the track or road above.

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List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Alaska Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.