The tunnel connecting Whittier with the rest of Alaska is a since lane with train tracks down the middle. Every 30 minutes is changes direction -- cars go to Whittier on the hour, from Whittier on the half hour -- or is it vice-versa. Of course, when a train comes, it gets the tunnel to itself. The inside of the tunnel is rough-hewn rock, not finished plaster or cement. It's like 2 miles+ of driving thru a hard-rock mine. :) Once in a lifetime experience.
Ok this was kinda cool, a tunnel that takes to a little harbour town. So you have to wait in line, not very long though, then you drive on the railroad track through to the other side. It's a must see if your in the area.
Never a dull moment in Alaska. While waiting for the tunnel to flow in our direction we had the pleasure of enjoying some local entertainment. The tunnel itself is fascinating and well worth the drive if your in the area. Once in Whittier I recommend jumping on the ferry for a cruise to Valdez and a beautiful drive back to Anchorage.
This tunnel, apparently built during WWII, is the only way in and out of Whittier. Sharing the tunnel with the railroad and other traffic makes this an interesting experience, The one way traffic feature makes it importand to check the schedule and arrive accordingly. Very efficient operation.
Very easy to get through if you check out the schedule ahead of time because cars going toward Whittier go through every hour on the half hour. Cars traveling from Whittier go through every hour on the hour. It is very organized and easy to get through this tunnel. Be prepared it is only a one lane tunnel.
This tunnel was so cool!!! A once in a lifetime experience. THIS you have to see to believe!! We went through by car, but I think the train would be really fun!! It would give you the old west kinda feel.
Sitting on top 1,000lbs of bike and gear, I drove the 21/2 miles throw the tunnel between railroad tracks towards Whittier on my Victory Vision. For those who don't know, driving a touring class motorcycle fast is NOT what's hard, it is driving it slow, and driving it in a straight line (such as between railroad tracks) is even harder. Although the tops of the tracts are flushed with the road surface, if you inadvertently drive over one or the other, you're most likely going down. Making it even more difficult, water leaches out of the ceiling and onto the tracks. Technically, it is the most difficult 21/5 miles I have ever driven on a motorcycle. Additionally, it was damn scary too! Not to worry if you're driving a "cage" (car). Driving through only takes 10-15 minutes. You may, however, have to wait an hour or more. If interested, here is my You Tube video of it: http://youtu.be/ggDe5LG6QI4.
I like the experience. It was fun driving in the 2.5 miles long tunnel. I came on time and did not wait more then 10 minutes. On the way back I was watching beautiful waterfalls before they let us go through the tunnel.
Unique way to traverse through the mountain. Whittier pops up like an opening day sunrise after sharing the rail/road path through the tunnel.
It was exciting to get there on time and watch the vehicles line up on their respective lanes, and most of all the electronic screen counting down till the tunnel opens ......they had done everything to make the ride inside safe and a cool experience!!