America's vast highway network allows people to drive to nearly any town or place of interest in the United States. This impressive collection of roads is not just a remarkable accomplishment of civil engineering but also a symbol of the American experience. Travelers on American roads experience a sense of freedom and limitlessness, unmatched in virtually any other country on Earth.
However, the U.S. highway system is not merely a collection of roads, but also a network of impressive bridges, masterfully carved tunnels, and venerable ferries in some parts of the country. These impressive feats of engineering often took many years to build and represented the cutting edge of infrastructure and architectural design upon their completion.
In a small town in America's most remote state, brave drivers pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest tunnel in America. Measuring roughly two and a half miles in length, the tunnel features an extreme weather design and has a reputation for being thrillingly dangerous.
Inside America’s Longest Highway Tunnel
In the small town of Whittier, Alaska, a town where most residents live under the same roof, brave drivers pass through the legendary Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, also called the Whittier Tunnel. At 2.5 miles in length, the Anton Anderson tunnel serves as the longest highway tunnel in the U.S. by a significant margin, compared to the next largest tunnel, New York City's Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, which measures 1.7 miles in length.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel continues to serve as a vital transportation artery for the town and its 250 people, which is miles away from any other cities and about an hour and fifteen-minute drive from Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Workers finished construction on the Anton Anderson Tunnel in 1943, during the height of World War II, with Americans fighting Japanese forces uncomfortably close to Alaska, which was an American territory at the time.
The tunnel revolutionized this region of Alaska, connecting the small town of Whittier to the Alaska Railroad and ultimately the Portage Glacier Highway. For the first time, people and goods could travel to the large city of Anchorage and throughout the Kenai Peninsula with relative ease. With war raging in the Pacific Ocean, the tunnel also served as a vital transportation route for the American military, which feared that Alaska could become a major target for Imperial Japan as it rampaged throughout Asia and the Pacific Ocean.
Built For The Cold & Braved For The Danger
Not only is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel built for convenience, but it was also constructed to withstand the brutal cold weather conditions that prevail in Whittier, Alaska, and the surrounding area for much of the year. During the winter, temperatures can dip as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in and around Whittier, and wind speeds can reach a staggering 150 miles per hour, making even a routine journey in this area a treacherous gamble.
In addition to the treacherous weather conditions that can impact the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the tunnel's operations can also pose a threat to drivers. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, being a one-way tunnel with limited exits, requires drivers to be extra cautious while traveling through it. Travelers should take several safety measures to help ensure a safe voyage through America's longest highway tunnel.
First and foremost, visitors should be aware of the hazardous winter conditions that often prevail in the area and consider visiting the tunnel in July or August. Those traveling in the winter must drive a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive and snow tires to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck or skidding. Additionally, drivers should remain vigilant while passing through this tunnel and avoid driving while drowsy or short on sleep at all times.
How To Experience The Tunnel On Your Alaska Adventure
Every year, people from all over the world travel to Alaska to experience its unmatched natural beauty, charming port towns, and world-class fishing opportunities. For those interested in traveling through America's largest highway tunnel, you will be delighted to know that passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel can make for an easy day trip. As with many Alaska journeys, those looking to travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel should consider flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, located approximately an hour away from the tunnel.
Summer Vs. Winter Schedules
- May 1 to September 30 – 5:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.
- October 1 to April 30 – 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Here, adventurous travelers can rent a vehicle and drive down the scenic Seward Highway before veering off onto the Portage Glacier Highway near the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which serves as an excellent stop-off for those looking to come face-to-face with some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife, including bears, moose, and bison. After traveling along the Portage Glacier Highway for only about nine miles, travelers will at last arrive at the western entrance of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
Fees & Toll For Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
- Standard vehicle — $13 for a round trip.
- Large vehicle or RV — $22.
- Larger vehicles — special arrangements.
- Comply with all regulations.
Those looking to pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel should also check its schedule, as the direction of traffic in the tunnel changes every 15 minutes. Upon arriving in Whittier, visitors should consider booking a wildlife tour, visiting the Prince William Sound Museum, or hiking on the many breathtaking trails in the area. However, visitors to Whittier should be aware that the town is very sparsely populated and lacks many of the accommodations typically found in most American towns.
Although the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is an impressive part of America's extensive highway system, it is far more than a simple road or tunnel. This feat of engineering excellence serves as an unforgettable part of any Alaskan journey, connecting people from the bustling city of Anchorage to the rugged and untamed Alaskan wilderness.
Travelers looking to visit Alaska can't miss the opportunity to pass through this remarkable feat of engineering and also visit the town of Whittier. It promises an authentic taste of Alaska, free from the congestion and other tourist challenges that come with visiting other tourist hotspots, such as Sitka and Anchorage.