Oil Patch Bits: AK Railroad participates in NRE ground breaking

Alaska Railroad said Sept. 26 that Phase One of the Northern Rail Extension project is just under way with construction beginning on a bridge over the Tanana River at Salcha. A project ground-breaking ceremony took place Sept. 28 at the construction staging area.

The ground-breaking ceremony featured members of Alaska’s congressional delegation, governor’s office, local community dignitaries and railroad executives. The event celebrated the start of the long-anticipated rail extension, which is expected to boost local and state economies with millions of dollars spent on local equipment, materials, supplies and lodging. More than 200 construction jobs are projected during the summer months and about two dozen year-round.

The multiphased Northern Rail Extension project will eventually expand railroad track infrastructure from North Pole/Eielson 80 miles southeast to Delta Junction. Expected to be a three-year effort, NRE Phase One will construct a new bridge across the river and an associated levee. The environmental impact statement was completed in 2010.