Yukon River Bridge: Engineering marvel and scenic landmark

The Yukon River Bridge is a girder bridge spanning the Yukon River in Alaska, United States. It carries both the Dalton Highway and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System across the river. Constructed from 1974 to 1975, it was the longest single-span bridge in Alaska upon its completion. The bridge is 2,295 feet (700 m) long and 30 feet (9.1 m) wide. The driving surface of the span is of timber construction supported by a steel deck attached to a pair of steel box girders. The wooden deck has been replaced four times since its construction, most recently in 2007.

Location	Yukon, Alaska
Total length	2,295 feet (700 m)
Opened	1975
Coordinates	65°52′29″N 149°42′38.5″W
Crosses	Yukon River

Role in the Dalton Highway & Historical Significance

The Yukon River Bridge is a critical component of the Dalton Highway, the only road connecting Fairbanks, Alaska, to Prudhoe Bay, the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. The bridge carries heavy traffic of trucks carrying oil and other materials to and from Prudhoe Bay.

The construction of the Yukon River Bridge was a major engineering feat, as it was built in remote and challenging conditions. The bridge was constructed using a pre-stressed concrete arch method, which was innovative at the time. It was the first concrete bridge to be built in Alaska.

Tourist Attraction

The Yukon River Bridge is a popular tourist destination, as it offers stunning views of the Yukon River and the surrounding landscape. The bridge is often photographed by visitors to the Dalton Highway.

Additional Facts

The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is the only bridge crossing of the Yukon River in Alaska.
The bridge was originally named the E.L. Patton Bridge, after the highway engineer who oversaw its construction.