The spectacular Captain William Moore Bridge in Alaska
This unique and historically significant bridge is located in the borough of Skagway, in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is considered one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Why is it called the Captain William Moore Bridge?
The bridge was named after Captain William Moore, a pilot, prospector, packer, trader, and riverboat captain. Moore was one of the earliest settlers in Skagway and played a crucial role in the development of the region. The bridge and the highway it sits on are part of the route to the Yukon and Klondike regions, where thousands of prospectors traveled during the late 19th-century Gold Rush.
When was the Captain William Moore Bridge built?
Located outside Skagway in Southeast Alaska, the original bridge was completed in 1976, spanning 110 feet (33 meters) over Moore Creek Gorge. The bridge crosses an active earthquake fault, so it was designed to adapt to seismic activity. Engineers anchored the bridge only on the south bank, allowing the north end to move in case of an earthquake without damaging the structure. The bridge is a 300-foot (91-meter) asymmetric single-pylon cable-stayed bridge. The design ensures that if the ground shifts along the fault line, the bridge remains intact instead of being torn apart. This cantilevered design allows flexibility and stability in case of geological movement.
Is the Captain William Moore Bridge still in use?
Though the original bridge was built in the 1970s, it was replaced with a modern structure in 2017, designed to handle heavier traffic. However, the new bridge continues the cantilevered design due to ongoing seismic concerns. In the fall of 2019, a realigned Klondike Highway approach and a new buried bridge were opened to traffic. The original 1976 bridge, which many people remember fondly, now serves as a pedestrian bridge and a historic attraction. Visitors can get up close to this iconic bridge and explore its unique engineering.
Road suggested by: Jack Dalton