The Alaska Highway (also known as the Alaskan Highway, Alaska-Canadian Highway, or ALCAN Highway) was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon. Completed in 1942, it was 2,237 km or 1,390 mi long, but is becoming shorter due to rerouting. The historic end of the highway is near milepost 1422, where it meets the Richardson Highway in Delta Junction, Alaska, about 160 km (99 mi) southeast of Fairbanks. Mileposts on the Richardson Highway are numbered from Valdez, Alaska. The Alaska Highway is popularly (but unofficially) considered part of the Pan-American Highway, which extends south to Argentina. Further information about the highway can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_highway Detailed summary of scenes in this film: AVs, snowcapped mountain peaks and hazardous terrain in Alaska. CUs, animated map of route along highway from Canada to Alaska. CUs, US troops disembarking. Street scenes in Alaskan towns. Seq: Mass of bulldozers at work in snow, rain, and in marshes; building roads and bridges. MSs, MCUs, truck convoy crossing wooden bridges, snow-covered roads, and entering Fairbanks. CUs, sign, "bad ice"; various scenes, trucks skidding on icy roads. LS, railroad station at Skagway. Camera follows train through mountains showing hazards of ice and snow through which it must pass. VS, Whitehorse, Canada; stores, streets, and people of area. Short scene, US Army engineers attend ceremony at which one enlisted man is presented a medal for heroism in connection with construction of Alaskan highway. Pan, line of persons outside US Government liquor store in Whitehorse. VS, construction crews at work on highway during summer season. Animated map, Whitehorse, Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska showing the Haines cut-off. VS, US Army Engineer Corps at work on construction of cut-off. VS, along river's edge. FS through wooded area to Indian village. Civilian contractors clear timber, grade and surface roads. All types of construction equipment in operation. AVs, temporary flight strips under construction along highway. VS, Army engineers constructing strips. Ground views, construction of hangars, new runways, and aprons to improve airfields. Planes landing. LS, US Lend Lease planes marked with red star on field. VS, 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. VS, vehicles on highway leading from Dawson Creek, Canada to Whitehorse. VS, construction of relay stations along route to service and refuel trucks. AV, 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. This film has been made available to the general public thanks to the US Government "Fedflix" initiative.

• published: 15 Oct 2011
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