Alcan 001
Unknown
A soldier poses next to a sign at the beginning of construction of a section of the Alcan highway.
Image is a summer view of a soldier standing beside a wooden sign proclaiming the location of the beginning of construction of a section of the Alcan Highway. A smaller sign to the right shows 0.0, assumed to be the beginning mileage.
B.C. Canada
Bridge-Knik 001
Alaska Road Commission
The freighting skids, or sled, to be used to move the bridge construction derrick around appears ready to have the derrick installed on top.
Logs are fashioned into a long sled lying crosswise across the image. Several men are visible on and around the sled, or "freighting skids", that will be used to move the construction derrick while building the Knik River bridge. A cat tractor is visible at right, ready to pull the skids to the bridge site.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 002
Alaska Road Commission
A horse team is used to float logs to the bridge site for use as pilings.
A two-horse team is seen pulling logs in shallow water from right to left. One man is walking in the water and driving the team while another man at extreme right rides the floating logs and guides them with a paddle. Trees and brush are apparent on the riverbank in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 003
Alaska Road Commission
Men, "cats" and the construction derrick are placing falsework for the bridge north approach.
Several men, two cat tractors and the derrick are seen installing temporary "falsework" pilings and decking on the bridge north approach. Gravel riverbed forms the foreground with heavy forest in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 004
Alaska Road Commission
Falsework for the bridge north approach is being placed by several men using a cat tractor and derrick.
Three men are working on a cat tractor on the temporary approach deck to operate the derrick at left to drive "falsework" pilings. Two other men stand below on the riverbed. A pile of deck timbers is visible on the riverbed on the far side of the structure.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 005
Alaska Road Commission
Beginning work on the north bridge approach is viewed from the future south bridge abutment location.
Image is a northerly view across the Knik River from the south shore location of the imminent bridge south abutment. Tree stumps are in immediate foreground, river water fills the center middle ground with the beginning bridge work visible on the far shore. Heavy forest forms the far river boundary with Bodenburg Butte visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 006
Alaska Road Commission
Installation of falsework pilings and decking progresses at right while sheet piling is installed at left for footings for concrete pier #1.
Image is a view of the north approach and bridge falsework from downstream looking upstream. The derrick is seen at far right driving pilings. At left another steam engine machine is visible setting sheet pilings to form footings for concrete pier #1. Extensive gravel riverbed forms the foreground and a forested mountainside forms the backdrop.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 007
Alaska Road Commission
Steel sheet pilings are being placed to begin construction of pier #1 at the north end of the steel bridge.
Image is of a steam powered derrick positioned on the north approach to the bridge where it is setting steel sheet pilings for construction of the concrete pier #1.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 008
Alaska Road Commission
Sheet pilings are being placed as footings for pier #1.
Image shows the steam-powered derrick setting steel sheet pilings to form footings for the concrete pier #1 at the north end of the steel bridge.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 009
Alaska Road Commission
Steel sheet piling is viewed close at hand being driven into the riverbed among wooden bridge support pilings.
Image is of steel sheet pilings being driven into the riverbed next to wooden pilings of the bridge. The view is from below standing on the riverbed. A cloud of steam is apparent escaping from the driving head.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 010
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver and crew are poised to continue driving "falsework" pilings into the riverbed.
Image shows the piledriver in position to continue driving "falsework" pilings into the riverbed below the water level. Seven men are visible on or near the machine. The boiler and engine are not yet enclosed. A skiff with outboard motor is at the shoreline at left with two of the men standing on shore nearby. River water is apparent in foreground and a portion of a forested mountain forms the near background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 011
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver crew prepares to drive sheet pilings for pier #1.
Image is of the piledriver over the river gravel bar at the hole excavated in preparation to drive sheet pilings for footings of concrete pier #1. A pile of gravel from the hole is in foreground next to the bridge pilings supporting the machine. Two men are building the enclosure of the boiler and machine works at right. Two other men are visible at the derrick.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 012
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver continues to set "falsework" pilings in the river.
Image is an oblique view of the downstream side of the "falsework" in the river. The piledriver is visible on the falsework deck through a white cloud of steam. Logs to be used for pilings are apparent on the gravel bar in foreground. Two men are at left at the end of the logs. The river is apparent across the middle ground with the forested mountainside forming the close background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 013
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver derrick collapsed while excavating.
Image is of the collapsed piledriver derrick that failed while excavating for pier footing construction. The derrick timbers are visible collapsed to the gravel below the deck with the guide wheel on the deck. The clamshell bucket is lying on the gravel below. Two men are visible inside the machinery house partly visible at upper left, two are on the deck near the steel guide wheel, and one is astraddle the broken beam below the wheel. Lumber and scattered boards are apparent in foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 014
Alaska Road Commission
Men are repairing the collapsed derrick on the temporary bridge deck.
Four men in foreground are working on the collapsed derrick on the bridge deck. The steel wheel is prominent at left. Three other men are visible inside the machine shed beyond.
Near Palmer, Alaskaa
Bridge-Knik 015
Alaska Road Commission
Two men assess the damage to the collapsed derrick.
Two men assess the damage of the collapsed derrick from the "falsework" deck. The steel wheel is prominent as are the heavy deck beams in foreground. Two other men are visible at far right on the ground. Gravel of the river bar below the deck appears to be much disturbed by a cat tractor.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 016
Alaska Road Commission
The high river water has flooded the north approach to the bridge.
Image shows high water overtopping the north approach to the bridge as seen from the bridge looking north. Piles of lumber and two piles of burlap bags, perhaps filled with sand, sit in the water in foreground. The gravel bar in middle ground is above water. The forest beyond shows a cleared roadway in line with the bridge and appears to have a car parked in it. A couple of white tents are located just inside the timber fringe.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 017
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver excavates for the pier #2 footing.
Viewed from downriver, the piledriver is seen operating a clamshell bucket atop the "falsework" and is excavating a hole for concrete pier #2. Two men stand on the deck to the right watching the action. At left, men are visible working around the pier #1 location.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 018
Alaska Road Commission
The derrick excavates the hole for construction of pier #2.
Image is of the derrick excavating the hole for pier #2 as viewed from the gravel riverbed below. The derrick is using a clamshell bucket, seen ready to drop a load of gravel on the pile beside the pilings below. Two men are visible, one at ground level near the excavation and the other up on the deck at the derrick. The piledriver is visible on the deck behind the derrick. The expanse of river gravel in foreground holds scattered lumber, a gas barrel and logs.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 019
Alaska Road Commission
Workmen are constructing the forms for pouring concrete pier #1.
Image viewed from ground level in late afternoon shows the falsework pilings and wooden forms that will contain concrete pier #1. Two men are visible up on the deck.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 020
Alaska Road Commission
Interlocking steel sheet piles contain the footing for concrete pier #1.
Image is a vertical view down onto the concrete footing for pier #1. A square wooden frame approximately 10 feet square surrounds the interlocking steel pilings that contain the concrete. The sheet piles cross section is visible.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 021
Alaska Road Commission
A crew with concrete-making equipment is pouring the footing for pier #1.
Image shows a crew and equipment on the bridge deck pouring the concrete footing for pier #1. The view is from ground level on the downriver side. A man on a cat tractor at left controls the cable that raises and lowers the concrete bucket seen at right. Behind the cat is a dump truck bringing, sand, gravel and bags of cement to the men and concrete mixer at center right. The mixed concrete is poured into the bucket and released down the tube to the target form.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 022
Alaska Road Commission
Men are adjusting the concrete bucket and tube for pouring the concrete footings of pier #1.
Image is of a crew on the temporary bridge setting up the concrete bucket and tube for pouring the footing for pier #1. The view is from ground level below the activity. Two men are on the deck while three others are on scaffolding below adjusting the bucket and tube. The concrete mixer is visible at upper left as well as the chute for carrying the concrete over to the bucket.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 023
Alaska Road Commission
The piledrive is ready to be moved along a road on "go-devil" sleds.
Image is an oblique view of the piledriver in middle ground preparing to be moved along a road by skidding it on "go-devil" sleds. Several short logs and small rustic tables are in foreground. At left is the driver "house" with a man standing in the rear opening. To the right is the derrick with two cat tractors farther to the right in front. A man is walking toward them. Heavy spruce forest forms the background beyond the road.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 024
Alaska Road Commission
Concrete is being poured to create pier #1.
Image shows a crew mixing and pouring concrete to form pier #1. The pier form is wrapped in canvas and a "heating unit" appears to be installed above to keep the concrete from freezing while it cures. Two trucks are on the deck delivering sand and gravel, sacks of cement are visible stacked on the deck and empty, discarded sacks are seen on the ground below. Gravel piles and logs are visible in foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 025
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver drives bearing pilings to support pier #4.
Image is a side view from upstream showing the piledriver setting "bearing pilings" for the footing of pier #4. Three men are visible attending the pilings being driven and black smoke escapes the driver as it hammers the pilings down.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 026
Alaska Road Commission
A pile of sand and gravel aggregate awaits use in concrete work on the bridge.
Image shows a pile of sand and gravel, partially covered with a tarp, in middle ground on the gravel riverbed. Adjacent, to the left, are two steam heating unites apparently used to keep the aggregate pile from freezing. A covering of frost or light snow is over the foreground gravel and background trees.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 027
Alaska Road Commission
Aggregate is being kept warm and available for use in the concrete work on the bridge.
This view shows a power shovel at right poised at the edge of the aggregate pile, which has been opened and is steaming in the cold air. Material has obviously been previously removed. At left is the heating unit keeping the partially covered aggregate from freezing. A man is visible beside the heater and smoke rises from the stack. Light snow covers the ground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 028
Alaska Road Commission
Carpenters construct forms for use in building the concrete piers to support the bridge.
This overhead view is of men below the bridge in the foreground on the river ice before the overflow event occurred which disrupted the work. They are constructing forms for use in building the concrete piers of the bridge. Six men are visible. Close inspection reveals their personal carpentry toolboxes on the ground nearby. A burn barrel is also evident. Middle ground shows the frozen river with indications of the road constructed on the far shore. Steam from activity on the bridge at left drifts across the top of the image.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 029
Alaska Road Commission
Three men are shoveling at the bottom of the excavation for the bridge abutment.
Three men are shown shoveling at the bottom of a large hole in preparation for constructing the concrete abutment, probably at the south end of the bridge. Minimal boards are evident shoring up the hole's sides. Light snow covers the ground surface at least twenty feet above the bottom of the hole.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 030
Alaska Road Commission
Forms are being installed in preparation for pouring concrete to form one of the support piers.
Image is of the construction of forms in preparation for pouring one of the concrete piers. The view is from ground level showing the falsework deck and pilings, and the framework for raising the forms. Three men are evident, one on the ground and two up on the form adding exterior bracing. Light snow is on the ground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 031
Alaska Road Commission
Concrete is being poured to form pier #5.
Image is of three men on the bridge deck in the process of pouring concrete from the bucket down a chute to form pier #5 below. At left is the heating unit with canvas covering most of it but with the stack partly visible. Large planks are in the foreground. A fourth man is visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 032
Alaska Road Commission
A dump truck hauls aggregate through overflow river water from the gravel pile to the bridge for mixing concrete.
Image is of a dump truck standing in ice-covered water with a load of gravel and a man visible in the bed. At right the pile of aggregate from which the truck is hauling is partially visible. The water is overflow from the river covering the gravel bar below the bridge where much of the staging work was taking place prior to the flooding.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 033
Alaska Road Commission
Trucks are hauling aggregate across river ice to the bridge site.
Image shows two dump trucks in middle ground on the river ice hauling sand and gravel to the bridge site. In background the bridge is visible with sections of the final steel structure under construction at left. Snow-covered mountains are in far background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 034
Alaska Road Commission
Men are working to free a cat tractor from where it broke through overflow ice on the river below the Knik River bridge under construction.
Image shows two men working to free a cat tractor in foreground which has broken through overflow ice. Behind is a west side view of the north approach of the bridge and a portion of the falsework for the future steel bridge structure. A dump truck is visible atop the bridge at right.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 036
Alaska Road Commission
A hole is being readied to receive a bridge piling.
Two men stand at right foreground looking at large frozen chunks of gravel around a hole excavated to receive a piling. A portion of a piling is lying on the ground beside the hole. Heavy forest is visible on the river shore at middle ground and mountains are visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 037
Alaska Road Commission
Men are guiding a bridge piling into place into a large hole.
Three men in foreground at right are guiding a wooden piling into a large excavation. Tools in evidence include two peavey's and a hand shovel. Other pilings are visible lying on the snow-covered ground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 038
Alaska Road Commission
The image documents completion of bridge "falsework" placement.
Image is an oblique view of the down-river side of the bridge showing the completed "falsework" in place from the north approach to the south river bank. The foreground is an expanse of river gravel with lumber piles on it at middle ground near the bridge which extends across the middle ground view. The piledriver and derrick sit atop the bridge with two plumes of steam rising from the derrick. The forested mountain fills the backdrop.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 039
Alaska Road Commission
Concrete is being mixed and poured into forms for bridge pier #5.
Image is on top of the bridge deck showing two trucks side by side, two small buildings, and a smokestack emitting dark smoke. The setting appears to be a temporary widening of the deck to accommodate the two trucks and building across its width. One truck is also elevated on a ramp. The smokestack is likely associated with heating and mixing the concrete. A light covering of snow is apparent.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 040
Alaska Road Commission
Image shows work near the south end of the bridge continuing at night.
Image is a winter night view from the future roadway at the south end of the bridge showing the down-stream side of the completed "Falsework". The derrick sits at the near end of the deck with work lights along the length of the bridge showing as bright starbursts. Snow is apparent and a tree trunk stands at left in foreground. Bodenburg Butte and Lazy Mountain are evident in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 041
Alaska Road Commission
A down-river view shows light illuminating night work in progress.
Image is a winter night view of the completed "falsework" taken from the snow-covered roadway along the south side of the river down-stream of the bridge. A small clump of trees is in foreground with the frozen river beyond. The bridgework extends across the middle ground with snow-covered mountains in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 042
Alaska Road Commission
The view documents destruction caused by the derrick being blown off of the bridge.
The view from the riverbed on the down-river side of the bridge shows one completed steel span and one partially completed span. A large, jumbled pile of broken and bent pilings and decking lies on the ground near the end of the unfinished span as a result of the derrick being blown over during a storm. The foreground appears to be overflow water from the river.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 001
Alaska Road Commission
The view is across the Matanuska River at the location of the north end of the future bridge to be constructed at this site.
Image is looking across the Matanuska River at the bank location of the north end of the steel bridge across the river to be constructed in 1934. A high rock face is partially visible at left with lower rock exposure at the construction site. A wooden tower is visible at right that appears to anchor a cross-river cable. Heavy forest cover forms the near middle ground with river water and gravel bar in foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 002
Alaska Road Commission
Several white wall tents located in the woods near the site where construction is beginning of the steel bridge across the Matanuska River.
Image is of several white wall tents in a forested setting comprising part of the camp associated with construction of the steel bridge across the Matanuska River east of Palmer.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 003
Alaska Road Commission
Machines used to construct the bridge are staged on the river gravel bar in preparation for work to begin on the Matanuska River bridge.
Image is of two small enclosed structures used in building the bridge, one in foreground containing pumps, the other, behind with an a-frame attached, used in driving pilings and setting timbers. They are staged on the snow-covered river bar at the south end of the bridge site. A couple of tents are visible up on the bank in the trees beyond.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 004
Alaska Road Commission
Equipment and facilities are staged on the river gravel at the south end of the planned bridge.
Material and equipment needed for building the bridge are staged on the snow-covered gravel bar at the south end of the planned bridge. Tents are visible in middle ground next to a small rock bluff with trees beyond.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 005
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver positions platform members on top of pilings to move forward building the "falsework for the bridge."
Image shows the piledriver machine positioned on the platform atop the temporary pilings it has previously driven into the river bed as it positions additional platform members ahead to allow it to move forward.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 006
Alaska Road Commission
Two men are using hand shovels to remove soil from the north pier site. A pry bar and sledgehammer are visible for removing rock in preparation for building the forms for the concrete pad.
Image is of two men using hand shovels to prepare the site of the north pier of the bridge for construction of the forms and placement of the concrete to buttress the steel structure.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 007
Alaska Road Commission
Concrete is being mixed and poured into forms for the bridge abutments and supporting pier.
Image shows men pouring concrete to form the bridge abutments and pier for the new Matanuska River bridge. Shown are several men standing around a concrete mixer in the upper right portion of the photo, a wooden chute leading from the mixer down to the form in lower left.
Matanuska River near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 008
Alaska Road Commission
Freshly poured concrete for the bridge buttress is covered with canvas to cure.
Image shows the north buttress concrete pour, dug into solid rock and covered with canvas for the concrete to cure with planks lying on top to keep the canvas in place. The caption is corrected to identify that this is the north end of the bridge as it is positioned on the ground even though the road from that point may orient generally in a southerly direction.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 009
Alaska Road Commission
The north concrete buttress is being made ready for the next stage of construction.
Image shows the concrete buttress at the north end of the bridge with the canvas pulled back and a man working to ready it for the next stage of construction. Water or steam pipes and bridge timbers are apparent in foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 010
Alaska Road Commission
The recently poured concrete pier is wrapped in canvas and bathed in steam to keep it from freezing until the concrete cures. Together with snow-covered ground, the rising steam gives the impression of a cold January day.
Image shows permanent pilings at the south end of the bridge that lead up to the concrete pier that will support the south end of the steel structure. The concrete in the pier has apparently recently been poured and is wrapped in canvas to contain the steam that is introduced to keep it from freezing until it cures. A steam pipe is visible on the ground running from left to the base of the pier and steam is rising from the pier. Snow is on the ground and frost has formed on the outside framework of the pier. The piledriver is partially visible at right resting on the riverbed. The rock cliff on the north side of the river is apparent at upper left. A man working on the falsework beyond the pier is barely visible through the steam.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 011
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver machine lifts timbers onto the temporary pilings upon which the steel portion of the bridge will be constructed.
Image shows the piledriver machine sitting on the south approach and lifting timbers ahead of the concrete pier that will be the base for construction of the steel portion of the ridge. The view is from down river, or from the east, despite the caption on the photo.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 012
Alaska Road Commission
With the "falsework" in place, the piledriver can move forward to begin placing steel members of the bridge.
Image looking from the north end of the bridge to the south. The "falsework" that will be removed after the steel bridge is constructed, is in foreground with the piledriver sitting on the permanent pilings at the south end. On the south side of the river tents are visible immediately to the right (upstream) side of the bridge and in middle ground at left. A building with a tall smokestack, assumed to be the steam plant, is close by the left (downstream) side of the south end of the bridge. At far left, in the trees, stands the south shore tower that supported a cable across the river. Close examination reveals several men at work on or around the structure.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 013
Alaska Road Commission
The "falsework" is shown to be in place and ready for construction of the steel structure to begin.
Image is of the "falsework" pilings and framing of the north portion of the bridge that will support construction of the steel structure and then be removed. The view is from the riverbed with large chunks of ice in the foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 014
Alaska Road Commission
Work continues on the south approach and in preparation for setting steel.
Image is of the piledriver resting at left on the permanent pilings at the south end of the bridge and the concrete pier is at right. View is from the riverbed with snow and ice in foreground. A ladder rests against the pier and two steel anchor fittings are visible atop the pier where they will attach to steel bridge members. Men are visible working at ground level.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 015
Alaska Road Commission
The concrete pier that will anchor the south end of the bridge id shown in relation to the northerly "falsework" and the permanent southerly approach pilings.
Image is of the concrete pier that anchors the south end of the steel bridge, showing part of the "falsework" at left and the beginning of the permanent approach pilings at right. View is from the riverbed looking downstream. A man is visible standing near the pier.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 016
Alaska Road Commission
Men unload steel bridge girders from a rail car, probably on the rails near present-day Palmer, to be transported to the Matanuska bridge site.
Image is a winter scene with snow on the ground and several men working to remove large steel bridge girders by hand from a railroad flat car. It appears that two large logs are laid at an angle to form a slide from the side of the rail car to large wooden beams on the ground. One steel beam is at the bottom of the slide with another at the top ready to come down. Other beams are visible on the car. No tools or moving devises are in evidence except that one man holds a long-handled peavy.
near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 017
Alaska Road Commission
A steel bridge girder is being swung into place by the piledriver while being guided by a workman.
Image shows the piledriver swinging a steel bridge member into place while guided by a man standing on the deck next to it. Steam hoses are apparent on the ground in foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 018
Alaska Road Commission
Men area apparently preparing to use the piledriver to hoist steel girders up to the temporary bridge deck.
Image shows three men up on the bridge deck with the piledriver and two others on the riverbed apparently preparing to lift the steel girders, visible in the foreground, up to the deck.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 019
Alaska Road Commission
The heavy temporary deck timbers are in place for the piledriver, visible in middle ground, to begin setting the steel bridge structure.
Image is of the temporary bridge deck looking from south to north. The piledriver is visible at the north end, with steam rising, preparing to begin placing steel. The deck exhibits the heavy timbers in temporary place to support the piledriver.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 020
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver begins placing steel at the north end of the bridge.
View from the streambed showing the piledriver atop the temporary bridge deck at left "Raising the top chord" of the steel bridge visible at right.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 021
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver nears completion of the task of setting the bridge steel in place. As it continues to back up, placing steel members as it goes, it will anchor the final structure to the concrete pier below.
View from the snow-covered streambed shows the piledriver approaching the south pier as it nears completion of setting the steel bridge girders in place.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 022
Alaska Road Commission
The steel bridge nears completion as progress approaches the south end.
Image is a view of the mostly complete steel bridge seen from the snow-covered riverbed downstream. The piledriver is partially visible at left as it continues to raise steel near the south end of the bridge. Several men are visible on and under the bridge. A small cat tractor is also visible under the bridge.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 023
Alaska Road Commission
Most of the steel bridge is in place with the piledriver working on completing the south end. Much of the running surface and side railing is installed.
Image is the view lengthwise along the driving surface of the steel bridge from the north end. Most of the steel is in place. The piledriver is visible at the south end, along with several men, working on the final portion. Running surface planks and side rails are in place for much of the completed length. Snow covers the ground, bridge members, and trees in background. Two men are apparent in foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 024
Alaska Road Commission
Steel placement is nearing completion.
Image is an oblique view of the downstream side of the bridge taken from the north end. The piledriver is visible at the south end, along with several men, placing the last steel members. Two men are standing on the top of the structure, several are on the deck and two are with the cat tractor on the riverbed. Snow covers the ground and trees in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 025
Alaska Road Commission
Steel installation is complete and carpenters are installing decking and other woodwork at the south approach.
Image is a view of the finished steel installation of the bridge from the south end looking along the deck to the north. Exposed joists of the south approach are prominent in foreground and two men are visible apparently laying decking and installing side rails.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 026
Alaska Road Commission
The steel bridge is complete as is the south approach leading up to it.
Image is the view at the south end wooden deck approach with side railing leading up to the steel bridge in mid view.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 027
Alaska Road Commission
Four men work on a log cribbing structure at the south end of the otherwise completed bridge.
Image is an oblique view of the bridge on the downstream side from the south end. The steel bridge is complete and most of the underlying "falsework" is removed. The south end wooden portion is complete. Four men are visible in foreground at left working on a log crib on the south end of the wooden section that will anchor the south approach. Most all snow is gone. The exposed rock cliff on the north side of the river and surrounding forest are obvious in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 028
Alaska Road Commission
The bridge construction crew assemble for their picture to be taken as the project nears completion.
Image is of the construction crew that built the bridge assembled on the incomplete deck near the end of the steel assembly work.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 029
Alaska Road Commission
Viewed from the west, the bridge appears essentially complete with final cleanup and approach work left to do.
Image is a middle-distance view of the essentially completed bridge structure as seen from upstream. Snow covers the ground and the obvious mountains in background. Smoke rises at right near the south end of the bridge, possibly from burning construction scraps. Tents are still partially visible at right and final fill has not been placed to complete the south approach.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 030
Alaska Road Commission
The bridge structure is essentially complete, only awaiting placement of fill material and work to finish approaches.
Image is a view of the essentially complete bridge seen from downstream. At left can be seen that several tents remain and fill material is not yet in place to complete the south-end approach.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 031
Alaska Road Commission
Finish work and cleanup progress on the essentially complete bridge project.
Image is of the essentially complete bridge viewed from approximately atop the high rock cliff on the north side of the river. Most of the "falsework" is removed and several men are visible on the bridge and around the south end. Also visible is a small cat tractor, a lumber wagon and various other material at the staging area at right. Snow and ice remain on the riverbed.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 032
Alaska Road Commission
The completed bridge is in place spanning high water of the Matanuska River.
Image is of the completed Matanuska River bridge at high water, viewed from the south end upstream area.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 033
Alaska Road Commission
Loading the piledriver onto a rail flatcar.
Image shows the piledriver being loaded onto a rail flatcar following its use in constructing the Matanuska River bridge.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Matanuska 034
Alaska Road Commission
The piledriver is being moved near the rail line.
Image is of several men moving the piledriver used to construct the Matanuska River bridge.
Near Palmer, Alaska
