DSC_2461
The White Pass and Yukon Route in Skagway, AK; a narrow-gauge railroad linking the port of Skagway, Alaska, with the city of Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory. Begun in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush to reach the goldfields of the Yukon, it was completed by 1900, and continued passenger and freight service until 1982. Today the route partially operates as a tourist railway between Skagway AK, and Carcross, Canada.
Switchback Arch Bridge was constructed in 1900 to bypass the original switchback around the gorge. Also know as the Steel Cantilever Bridge or Bridge 18A, it is one reason why the railway has been designated an International Civil Engineering Landmark. At 215' high, it was the highest bridge of its kind when it was completed. The bridge is a total of 400' feet long, with a center span of 240' and a two side spans of 80' each. The central span was completed by building each half as a cantilever to the center, and connecting the structure with a central hinge pin. The side spans are simple spans and the central span is a true arch. The bridge was designed by the Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Co., of New York City, George W. Catt, President and Chief Engineer; S. Wood, Designing Engineer. The contractor for the structure was the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Co. It was abandoned in 1969 after the track was rerouted through a new tunnel.
DSC_2461
The White Pass and Yukon Route in Skagway, AK; a narrow-gauge railroad linking the port of Skagway, Alaska, with the city of Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory. Begun in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush to reach the goldfields of the Yukon, it was completed by 1900, and continued passenger and freight service until 1982. Today the route partially operates as a tourist railway between Skagway AK, and Carcross, Canada.
Switchback Arch Bridge was constructed in 1900 to bypass the original switchback around the gorge. Also know as the Steel Cantilever Bridge or Bridge 18A, it is one reason why the railway has been designated an International Civil Engineering Landmark. At 215' high, it was the highest bridge of its kind when it was completed. The bridge is a total of 400' feet long, with a center span of 240' and a two side spans of 80' each. The central span was completed by building each half as a cantilever to the center, and connecting the structure with a central hinge pin. The side spans are simple spans and the central span is a true arch. The bridge was designed by the Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Co., of New York City, George W. Catt, President and Chief Engineer; S. Wood, Designing Engineer. The contractor for the structure was the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Co. It was abandoned in 1969 after the track was rerouted through a new tunnel.