keywords: us army corps of engineers, alaskan highway, alcan highway, supply route, peace river bridge
Synopsis: The U.S. Army started construction of the Alaskan Highway, also known as ALCAN Highway, in March 1942 as a supply route during WWII... (read more)
Aerial view snowcapped mountain peaks and hazardous terrain in Alaska. Animated map of route along highway from Canada to Alaska. Sign reads Dawson Creek Welcomes You, street scene. Shows Army Camp. Bulldozier working in snow and sub-zero weather. Various road construction scenes, wooden bridge, snow covered road.
Street scenes of Fairbanks Alaska. Close-up sign “bad ice” and “Suicide Hill”, vehicles in ditches. Scenes of mess hall and post office. Road construction and building bridges. Low aerial view and street scenes in Skagway. Train travels the White Pass and Yukon route with its hazards of ice and snow into Whitehorse Canada. Street scenes of White Horse. Shows line of people outside U.S. Government Liquor Store in Whitehorse.
Construction crews equipment at work, animated map showing Haines cut-off. All types of construction equipment in operation. Construction of hangars, new runways, and aprons to improve airfields. Planes landing. US Lend Lease planes marked with red star on field. Bridges nearing completion. Peace River Bridge which is 2275' long is officially opened in August 1943.
Numerous scenes of dedication ceremonies commemorating the opening. Head-on shot, first official cargo to cross the peace River Bridge. Vehicles on highway leading from Dawson Creek, Canada to Whitehorse. Construction of relay stations along route to service and refuel trucks. Canol Project area which was built as refueling system for vehicles passing over Alaskan highway. US Army engineers spreading dirt over that portion of highway which remains permanently frozen throughout the entire year. Animated map showing highway, airstrips, and airports.
