How high is the Kuskulana Bridge in Alaska?
The Kuskulana Bridge is a historic single-lane steel truss bridge spanning 160 meters (525 ft) across the Kuskulana River Canyon in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area of Alaska, USA. Sitting at Milepost 17 of the unpaved McCarthy Road, the bridge carries traffic 72.5 meters (238 ft) above the river gorge on the route to McCarthy and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It ranks among the most spectacular bridges in the world along the McCarthy Road.
| Road facts: Kuskulana Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Location | McCarthy Road (Milepost 17), Alaska (USA) |
| Bridge Length | 160 m (525 ft) |
| Height Above River | 72.5 m (238 ft) above gorge floor |
| Build Date / Rehabilitation | Built in 1910 / Rehabilitated for vehicles in 1988 |
| Structure Type | Single-lane steel deck truss (Former copper railway bridge) |
| Speed Limit | 15 mph (24 km/h) |
| Surface | Timber plank deck, unpaved gravel road approaches |
| Access Status | Open in summer; McCarthy Road is closed/unmaintained in winter |
Where is the Kuskulana Bridge located?
The bridge sits at Milepost 17 on the gravel McCarthy Road in eastern Alaska. It spans a sheer, narrow canyon carved by the Kuskulana River, serving as the primary river crossing on the lonely route from Chitina to McCarthy.
How was the Kuskulana Bridge constructed?
Originally built in 1910 for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, workers erected the steel truss structure during winter in extreme temperatures dropping to -60°F (-51°C) to keep heavy equipment anchored on ice. In 1988, the state rehabilitated the railway span for vehicular traffic, adding timber decking, steel guardrails, and pedestrian walkways.
Is the Kuskulana Bridge single lane?
Yes. The 525-foot span carries a single lane of alternating traffic with a posted speed limit of 15 mph. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic before entering the narrow wooden deck over the canyon.
What are the driving conditions on the Kuskulana Bridge?
The bridge features a timber plank deck set high over a 238-foot vertical drop into the rock canyon. Unpaved gravel approaches lead onto the span, where crosswinds blow through the open gorge. While guardrails line the deck, the narrow width and sheer height create severe visual exposure above the river rapids below.