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-Deception 001
Alaska Road Commission
A native log bridge spans Deception Creek
Image is of a wide stream in foreground with a log stringer bridge crossing it in middle ground. The bridge is composed of two long spruce logs lying from bank to bank, with smaller logs lying parallel between them. Smaller short logs lie across the center logs to form the running surface. The view from mid-stream, looking downstream, shows alder brush and heavy spruce and birch forest occupying all the mid and background.
Near Willow, Alaska
Bridge-Deception 002
Alaska Road Commission
A new wooden bridge is under construction across Deception Creek.
Image shows a portion of a wooden bridge under construction across a frozen stream. Pilings and bracing are in place with support logs attached to the tops of pilings ready to accept decking not yet in place. Three people, apparently a woman and two children, stand on the ground at the extreme right of the bridge. Alder brush and scattered spruce trees form the backdrop. Ice and protruding rocks of the frozen stream form the foreground.
Near Willow, Alaska
Bridge-Deception 003
Alaska Road Commission
The bridge "falsework" is in place and ready for the permanent structure to be constructed.
Image is an oblique view looking east at the bridge under construction showing the "falsework" pilings with bracing and log supports for decking on top. Middle ground beyond the bridge is open with heavy spruce forest beyond.
Near Willow, Alaska
Bridge-Deception 004
Alaska Road Commission
Two men continue work on decking the bridge.
Image is a view to the west looking down the length of the bridge under construction in fore ground. Falsework is in place with cross logs prominently on top. A man stands at the far end of the bridge looking toward the camera. Another man nearby is sitting on a small cat tractor. Two cables and a logging chain are draped over the top logs of the bridge, presumably used to draw timbers onto the bridge. Mixed spruce and birch forest form the background.
Nrar Willow, Alaska
Bridge-Deception 005
Alaska Road Commission
Men are working on the deck of the almost complete bridge.
Image is a dark stream-bed side view of the near-complete bridge. The falsework beneath the bridge is removed and the top-side wooden truss side structure appears complete. Three men are visible working on the deck. Snow covers the ground.
Near Willow, Alaska
Bridge-Deception 006
Alaska Road Commission
The completed bridge is in place over Deception Creek during the summer following construction.
Image is a summer side view of the completed bridge viewed from upstream. Water of Deception Creek running bank-full is in foreground with brush on both sides. The bridge is across the stream at middle ground with birch forest behind.
Near Willow, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 001
Alaska Road Commission
A man is pulling a small boat across the river using a rope set-up crossing from bank to bank creating a ferry system.
Image is of a man in a square-end flat-bottom boat in the water of Eagle River. The man is pulling on a double rope set-up to allow movement of the boat across the river to ferry men and material across as needed. Some clearing of vegetation and hand work of soil is visible on the far shore. Birch forest with interspersed spruce covers the land from stream bank to background skyline.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 002
Alaska Road Commission
Men are constructing the forms for the south concrete buttress pier for the bridge.
Image is an elevated view of the new bridge location showing the forms for the south buttress in immediate foreground. The river flows from right to left across the middle ground with a temporary log stringer foot bridge crossing. Three men are evident working on the south end of the log bridge. Two other men stand close to the wooden form in foreground, presumably carpenters building the forms, as sawhorses, lumber, and tool boxes are visible nearby at right. Snow covers the ground.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 003
Alaska Road Commission
Men are constructing the forms for the south concrete buttress pier for the bridge.
Image is a close view of the wooden form being constructed to contain the concrete to be poured to form the south buttress pier to support the bridge. Close inspection revels at least four men working inside and outside the form. Snow covers the ground.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 004
Alaska Road Commission
Men are apparently developing a gravel source for their concrete work on the buttress pier for the bridge.
Image is a winter view with snow on the ground, looking upstream along the boulder-strewn south shore of the flowing river. A two-plank board walk is evident from the camera viewpoint along the shore to a far middle ground point where four men are working, apparently at a gravel pit. Another man is walking on the boardwalk in near middle ground. Snow-covered trees and brush form the backdrop on both sides of the stream.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 005
Alaska Road Commission
Men are working on installing forms for the concrete south pier.
Image is a winter view downstream from the gravel pit area with flowing water taking up most of the foreground and near middle ground. At far left is the boardwalk leading to the south pier area with several men visible preparing the south support pier in middle ground. The log stringer bridge across the stream in middle ground is visible as is some excavation work on the north side of the river for the north end pier. Winter mixed forest forms the backdrop on both sides of the river.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 006
Alaska Road Commission
The bridge "falsework" is in place and men are beginning to place the permanent support beams.
Image is an elevated view from the hill at the north end of the bridge looking south at the completed "falsework" and beginning work on placing the permanent support beams for the bridge. At left foreground appear the end portion of two large beams and at right is a stack of short beams. One long beam and several of the shorter beams are visible lying on the log falsework of the bridge where four men are at work. Part of an approach road to the south end work area is visible. Snow covers the ground. A hill is prominent beyond in near background and the thin second growth trees on it make it appear decidedly hairy.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 007
Alaska Road Commission
The wooden truss work appears complete atop the falsework with decking and side rails yet to be installed.
This winter view shows the wooden truss bridge structure complete atop the falsework still in place. Decking and side rail work remains to be completed. Snow covers all. Two people are visible below the bridge at left.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eagle 008
Alaska Road Commission
Construction appears complete and falsework is removed.
This summer oblique view of the upstream side looking south shows the completed bridge with the trusses, decking, and side rails in place and the falsework removed. Taken from the north side hill, the river is visible below, part of the south support pier is visible, and tree-covered hills beyond are in leaf. A pile of short timbers is apparent in immediate foreground and at near right stands a scaffold structure that may have been used in setting the trusses.
Near Eagle River, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 001
Alaska Road Commission
The low oblique view of the potential bridge site shows a narrow footbridge in place.
This early spring low oblique image shows the Eklutna River flowing from lower left to center of the photo and bending back to the left. The river is open with snowbanks on shore along both banks. A patch of trees on both sides of the river is apparent with a large muskeg at right middle ground. Heavy forest forms the background beyond the muskeg. At water level on the river bend is a narrow foot bridge appearing very temporary. A person can be seen on the bridge.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 002
Alaska Road Commission
The photo shows the site of the proposed new bridge to be constructed above the existing foot bridge shown.
Image is a downstream view of the proposed bridge site showing the river flowing between canyon walls with a temporary foot bridge visible in middle ground. Patches of snow are still visible along the river bank.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 003
Alaska Road Commission
Image shows the existing site of the proposed new bridge construction to come.
Image is a downstream view of Eklutna River in center foreground. The righthand canyon wall atop which the north end of the new bridge will sit is in middle ground. The existing foot bridge below the cliff is visible. Snow lines the banks of the river. Two large spruce trees are prominent on top of the cliff at right and trees line the river bank in the background.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 004
Alaska Road Commission
Construction work has begun with staging of the "Traveler" atop the north cliff and concrete buttress piers in place . A new foot bridge is in place to facilitate access to the south side of the river.
Image is an upstream view of the new bridge site showing the north cliff face at left middle ground with a piling and decking structure supporting the "Traveler" crane that will place the steel and other heavy material. Two concrete footings are visible on the rock face below the Traveler. An improved foot bridge crossing the river is apparent in middle ground. A waterfall is visible entering the river on the far bank in background just where the river turns to the right out of sight.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 005
Alaska Road Commission
The "Traveler" sits poised at the north side of the river to begin placing steel for the north end of the bridge.
Image is a river level view of the north shore cliff face location of the north end of the bridge. The temporary foot bridge over the river is partially visible in foreground leading to two concrete piers with steel connecting brackets in place hard against the cliff face ready for steel bridge members to connect. Directly above, on top of the rock bluff, is a wood post and beam bridge approach structure atop which sits the "Traveler"--the traveling erector machine, ready to set steel in place for the north half of the bridge.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 006
Alaska Road Commission
The north span is complete and material is being transferred to the south side of the river to begin work on the south half of the bridge.
Image is a downstream view taken from the bluff east of the bridge site. The riverbed occupies most of the foreground and middle ground center of the photo with heavy forest on the shore. The complete north half of the arch bridge extends from the right over the river at approximately the same level as the photographer's position. The "Traveler" sits at the left end of the span and is seen lowering a beam to waiting men on the south side of the river. Several other men are visible on the bridge deck preparing additional material to be transferred to the staging site below. Based on the dated photos, it took six days to complete construction of the north steel span.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 007
The north span of steel is complete and the "Traveler" is lowered to the south side of the river to be positioned for construction of the south half of the bridge.
Image is a view of the finished north half of the bridge taken from water level downstream of the bridge site with the structure suspender overhead. River water occupies most of the foreground, with rock cliffs prominent on the north side of the river in middle ground. The "Traveler" has been lowered to the south side staging area to be hauled up to the beginning of the south half of the bridge.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 008
Alaska Road Commission
The "Traveler" is placing steel on the south half of the bridge.
This image is of four men operating the "Traveler"--the machine used to place the steel and heavy timbers--on the south half of the bridge. As construction progresses it "travels" by pulling itself forward, sliding on temporary decking. It appears that this machine is hand operated by manipulating a series of gears, mostly obscured by the men, that control the operating cables.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 009
Alaska Road Commission
The north and south sections of the steel arch have been connected.
Image is a ground-level view of the downstream side of the bridge seen from the north side of the river. The "Traveler" sits atop the south section near the center of the bridge. The steel arch members have been joined at the center into what the caption calls a "3 hinge arch." The decking is not yet complete between both north and south sections. Portions of the river are visible below the river in middle ground and mountains are apparent in background.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 010
Alaska Road Commission
The steel portion of the bridge is complete and deck work is progressing.
Image is a ground-level view of the downstream side of the bridge showing the north and south sections fully connected into what the caption calls a "2 hinge arch." (Why this differs from photo #9 is unclear). The "Traveler" is no longer evident. Side railing on the north section of the deck is largely complete and several men are visible working on the southside deck. Small portions of the river are visible in middle ground under the bridge. A tent roof is visible at left in middle ground and mountains are obvious in background.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 011
Alaska Road Commission
Work continues on railing for the south half of the bridge. Channel modification downstream of the bridge is evident.
Image is a view from down river looking at the bridge in middle ground with the cliffs on both sides of the river evident below the bridge. A rounded, pyramid-shaped mountain is prominent in background. River water occupies much of the foreground and it's obvious that the channel has been widened by bulldozing gravel from the channel into a substantial berm along the left bank. Part of a temporary access road to the south staging area below the bridge appears to be evident at right. The steel portion of the bridge is complete and the side railing is in place on the north section.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 012
Alaska Road Commission
The bridge appears complete as viewed from below.
Image is a view from in the river north shore slightly upstream of the bridge. The completed bridge is high overhead with two men visible on the deck at extreme left. View down river under the bridge shows heavy forest on the right-side shore in background and brush-covered hill just beyond the bridge at left middle ground.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 013
Alaska Road Commission
A view of the completed bridge from the bluff upriver.
Image is a low oblique view taken from the bluff upriver from the bridge looking at the river below in foreground and middle ground with the completed bridge across the river in middle ground. Two people are visible on the bridge. Heavy forest forms the backdrop across the river in background.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 014
Alaska Road Commission
The bridge is complete.
Image is a view of the bridge at eye level from the north shore bluff upstream. Most of the span is prominent in middle ground spanning right to left with the river in foreground and middle ground below. Three people are visible standing on the completed bridge.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
Bridge-Eklutna 015
Alaska Road Commission
An oblique view of the completed bridge is seen up close from the north end.
Image is a view down the length of the upstream side of the bridge taken from the bluff at the north end. The deck and steel members are seen at right foreground, proceeding to the far end in middle ground. The south end of the steel arch connection to the concrete buttress pillars is visible. Three men are visible on the deck. A short section of the river is visible below the bridge. Two power poles are visible above the brush beyond the bridge.
Near Eklutna Village, Alaska
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
An elevated view shows most of the "falsework" installation as being in complete.
Image is an elevated view of the bridge falsework in place taken from the mountainside upstream from the south end of the bridge. The piledriver sits on the approach at right under a cloud of white steam. Falsework pilings are in place for the length of the bridge, but temporary decking from the right appears to be complete for less than half the distance. Spruce trees are in foreground, the ice-covered river forms much of the middle ground. Gravel bars form the far side of the riverbed with heavy forest on the far shore and fog above.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 040
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 041
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 042
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 043
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-Knik 044
Alaska Road Commission
The aftermath of a winter storm left the derrick and part of the bridge falsework broken on the ground.
Image is a downstream view of the wrecked derrick and bridge falsework resulting from a storm that tipped the derrick off the bridge. Broken beams, tipped pilings and a section of the bridge deck are lying in a heap on the gravel river bar in foreground with the damaged bridge behind. The mountainside forms the backdrop.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 045
Alaska Road Commission
Winter storm damage to the bridge-under-construction is recorded.
This is a deck-top view looking north and shows the gap in falsework decking in foreground resulting from what was carried away with the derrick when the wind blew the derrick off the bridge. Steel work in place for the second span when the storm hit is visibly out of alignment as a result of the high winds. Heavy forest on the north shore of the river is evident and Bodenburg Butte is partially visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 046
Alaska Road Commission
Maen are preparing concrete and pouring it to form the south end bridge abutment.
Image shows a considerable amount of post, beam and lumber construction supporting a concrete making effort to pour the south bridge footing. A dump truck is on a raised platform at right in the process of dumping aggregate down to the concrete mixing machine at center. Several men are visible in this area. Two other men are seen at left. Part of wooden structure appears to be covered with canvas at left, apparently to contain heat in the concrete while it cures.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 047
Alaska Road Commission
Two men pose in front and below completed steel bridge span #1.
Image is a winter view of completed steel span #1 at the north end of the bridge spanning most of the photo at middle ground, and the beginning work on span #2 at right. Steel bridge members lie on the ground in foreground with two men standing just beyond. Falsework has been removed from below span #1 with some of that material scattered on the ground. The ground is snow-covered.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 048
Alaska Road Commission
A deck view looking north shows completed span #1.
Image is a deck-level view at bridge span #1 looking north from the beginning structure of span #2. Falsework decking and steel beams of span #2 are evident in foreground. A tool shed is at middle ground on the deck of span #1. The riverbed and shoreline trees are partially visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 049
Alaska Road Commission
The Knik River bridge construction camp is quiet on a still winter day.
Image is an oblique air winter view of several tent structures scattered among trees of a mixed forest with snow-covered ground and white smoke rising from several chimneys.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 050
Alaska Road Commission
Four steel spans have been completed and erection of the fifth span is underway.
A view from down-river looking north shows four completed steel bridge spans diagonally across the middle ground with the derrick constructing the fifth span at right. Several men are visible working on the fourth and fifth spans. Bodenburg Butte is visible at far left. The river bottom is covered with snow in foreground. "Falsework" has been removed from the first span but remains under the others.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 051
Alaska Road Commission
A steel girder is being lifted up to the bridge deck.
Image is a riverbed view mostly of the bridge falsework pilings in middle ground with some of the steel span work visible in upper left. In foreground a man is apparent standing in overflow water next to a steel girder being lifted by cables from the deck above. Another man is visible at left. Snow covers the immediate foreground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 052
Alaska Road Commission
One of the concrete piers is shown with two completed steel spans attached to it.
This view, taken from the riverbed, shows the narrow downstream side of one of the concrete piers centered in the foreground with a portion of two steel spans attaching to the top of the pier. The sheet pile-enclosed footing at the base of the pier is evident, as is the rather detailed cap atop the pier. Considerable lumber appears scattered in the snow at foreground. Enlargement revels a cat tractor on the river ice behind the pier in middle ground. Mountains form the near and far background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 053
Alaska Road Commission
A man standing next to pier #5 gives scale to the completed steel structure and its supports.
This view from the riverbed looking north shows the bridge in an oblique fashion from upper right to left center of the image. Four completed spans are visible with part of the sixth span close overhead. Five major concrete piers are visible with the broad side of pier #5 fully visible in the foreground. All the "falsework" has been removed. A man standing beside pier #5 lends relative scale to the massive structure. Part of the snow and ice-covered river is visible at right middle ground with heavy timber on the far shore. Mountains are slightly visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 054
Alaska Road Commission
The steel bridge construction appears to be finished and awaiting completion of the north approach.
Image is taken from the unfinished north bridge approach, looking south at deck level through the tunnel-like view of the completed steel structure. In near foreground is an array of planks in temporary fashion allowing foot traffic on to the bridge. The north end of steel span #1 is prominent. The forested mountainside forms the background at the far end of the bridge. Snow covers the ground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 055
Alaska Road Commission
An elevated view from the mountain on the south side of the river shows the completed bridge.
This elevated view of the completed six bridge spans, taken from the mountainside on the south side of the river, shows the snow-covered river occupying most of the middle ground with the bridge crossing from left to right. Two spruce trees are prominent in foreground with dark forested land on the far side of the river, all under a featureless sky. Enlargement reveals the piledriver machine parked at the extreme right between the spruce tree and photo boarder.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 056
Alaska Road Commission
With the steel erection complete, construction of the south approach is under way.
This is an elevated view of the mostly complete bridge taken from the mountainside directly at the south end of the structure. The total length of the steel portion is visible to the north side of the river, defined by a dark band of heavy forest. Bodenburg Butte is evident beyond in direct line with the bridge. Foreground is framed by several scraggly trees with the bridge in the center. The south approach to the bridge is still under construction with scattered planks and canvas apparently covering recently poured concrete abutments. The snow-covered river occupies most of the middle ground. Foreground accumulation indicates a foot or so of snow depth.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 057
Hewitts Photo Shop
Planks offer temporary access onto the south end of the bridge while awaiting completion of the permanent approach.
This is an oblique summer view of the upstream side of the completed steel bridge from the south end to the north end. A portion of the unfinished south approach is visible in foreground at left showing the concrete wing and various timbers and planks, including some to allow temporary access to the bridge deck. Water in the river is low enough to expose rock around the footings.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 058
Hewitts Photo Shop
A car approaches the temporary south access to the bridge.
Image is an oblique view of the downriver side of the bridge seen from the south end, including the temporary approach. A car is prominent in foreground on a rough gravel road that takes a sharp curve to the left onto the approach. The concrete wing wall and cribbing supporting temporary planks of the approach are visible in foreground. A small cottonwood tree frames the image at left. River water is low enough to expose rocks around the pier footings. Heavy forest lines the river's far bank with Bodenburg Butte and Lazy Mountain in the background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 059
Alaska Road Commission
A large flat gravel area is in place to form the south bridge approach.
Image shows a large flat area of gravel in foreground leading up to the south end of the bridge replacing the temporary approach. A young man stands in the gravel area while looking at the camera. The south end of the steel bridge stands in middle ground with the view down its length. The river crosses from right to left in middle ground with gravel bank on the far side visible and heavy forest in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 060
Alaska Road Commission
The south approach to the bridge is complete and traffic is apparently using crossing.
Image is an oblique view of the upstream side of the bridge with the south end connection to the land in foreground at left. The finished gravel fill approach is evident with the front of an automobile visible as it approaches the bridge. The bridge is obviously in use as of the photo's date. River water is obviously high during the annual flood.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 061
Alaska Road Commission
The completed Knik River bridge is viewed at flood stage.
Image is an upstream view of the bridge from the north end showing flood waters covering the near foreground with several bushes and stumps partially above water. The bridge extends across the view in middle ground with the long north approach coming from the right to attach to the steel spans receding to the south. The forested mountain forms a backdrop in far middle ground with fog covering the upper slope.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 062
Alaska Road Commission
Traffic was using the bridge prior to the official opening on September 4, 1936.
This image shows the completed approach to the Knik River bridge as seen from the upstream side. Foreground shows flood water with a bush, a stump, and part of a gravel pile showing above the water. The bridge approach crosses the image at middle ground with the gravel embanked section at right leading to the piling-supported open wooden section at left. A bus and a car are apparent on the gravel section proceeding north toward Palmer. The steep forested mountainside is in background with early morning sun highlighting rugged ridges and a valley slide path.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 063
Alaska Road Commission
Flood water flow beneath the bridge and north approach.
This is the view taken hard against the upstream side of the north approach to the bridge. It shows the piling-supported wooden approach section entering the image at right and receding to the steel spans in upper center. Flood waters are visible from immediate foreground to the far side of the river. Heavy forest covers the mountainside as the backdrop in far middle ground.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 064
Alaska Road Commission
The south bridge approach is well established by the photo date.
Image shows the well-used gravel road in immediate foreground as it turns onto the south end of the Knik River bridge. The down-river view of the bridge shows the water level is high, likely as a result of the Lake George break-out up at the glacier. Bodenburg Butte and Lazy Mountain are visible in background.
Near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 065
Alaska Road Commission
Two men prepare to load rocks onto a dump truck in a rock quarry.
This image shows a Ford dump truck parked in a rock quarry while two men standing at the rear of the truck prepare to load rocks into it. Rocks of all sizes are scattered around in the photo with larger ones in place on the hill behind the truck. The apparent nature of the rock source suggest it may be the bottom of a landslide on the mountain near the bridge. The large rocks will be hauled to the Knik River bridge and placed to provide protection for the concrete bridge piers.
Knik River area near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 066
Alaska Road Commission
A boulder is being suspended by cables and chains for loading onto a truck.
This image shows a large boulder being lifted for loading onto the bed of a truck. A chain is visible around the rock and attached to an overhead pully on a suspended cable. The rear of the truck is apparent at left with the light-colored boulder suspended behind it. A long-handled hand shovel is visible at right with gravel and angular rock close in front and back of the truck. Broken tree limbs and debris on the rock pile in middle ground suggest this rock source is a landslide on Pioneer Peak near the Knik River bridge.
Knik River bridge near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 067
Alaska Road Commission
A large boulder is being loaded onto a truck for transport to the Knik bridge site.
This image is of a dump truck parked at the location of many large boulders and rocky debris. A large boulder, suspended from a cable, is being loaded onto the bed of the truck. Smaller fractured rock and woody debris is visible in foreground and heavy forest is on the steep slope closely behind the truck.
Knik Bridge near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 068
Alaska Road Commission
The driver of a dump truck appears ready to haul a load of large rocks.
This image is a near driver's side view of a Ford dump truck with boulders and large rocks in the bed. The door to the cab is removed and the driver is visible inside and appears ready to haul his load to the new Knik River bridge.
Knik River Bridge near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 069
Alaska Road Commission
A dump truck is dumping two boulders at the north bridge approach.
Despite the caption "Loading Rock", this image is in fact a ground-level view up to the deck of the north bridge approach showing a dump truck loaded with two large boulders in the process of tipping the dump bed to deposit the rocks onto the rock pile below. This shows the beginning of the rock fill portion of the north approach where it connected with the wooden bridge portion.
Knik River near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 070
Alaska Road Commission
Large boulders are placed to protect the north approach from high water erosion.
Image is a ground-level view of the large boulders placed on the upstream side of the north bridge approach connection between the wooden bridge portion and the rock fill section to protect from high water erosion.
Knik River near Palmer, Alaska
Bridge-Knik 071
Alaska Road Commission
Armor rock and fill material are being placed to complete the north bridge approach.
Image is a ground-level view of the north approach rock fill section under construction. Large boulders are placed on the upstream side at center left with fill material placement is partially complete to the right. Two men are visible, presumably to assist in placement and unloading of additional fill. Part of the approach downstream guard rail is visible as is part of the first steel span. A fog-capped section of the mountainside is visible in background to the south.
Knik River near Palmer, Alaska
