Ep 10. The Alcan Highway

In Modern Marvels season 10 episode 10, titled The Alcan Highway, viewers travel along the legendary roadway spanning from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, and witness the engineering and construction firsthand. Over 1,500 miles of harsh terrain, frigid temperatures, and wildlife-infested wilderness challenged engineers during the highway's construction in the early 1940s.

The Alcan Highway, also known as the Alaska Highway, was built during World War II as a military supply route connecting the contiguous United States to Alaska. The construction began in March of 1942 and was completed in just eight months, an impressive feat considering the harsh environmental conditions workers faced during its construction.

As the episode unfolds, viewers get a glimpse into the challenges presented by the Alcan's unforgiving terrain, with permafrost, swamps, and rocky mountainsides along the route. Engineers were forced to find creative solutions to tackle each obstacle with precision and efficiency. The construction of the highway required innovative construction techniques, such as the creation of unique frozen bridges over boggy terrain. The workers had to endure extreme weather conditions and even had to construct a bridge over the Snake River in 35-below temperatures.

The episode also delves into the challenges faced by soldiers and civilians during the construction of the highway, including the dangers of living next to a giant construction project, the difficulties of supplying the thousands of workers involved in the project, and the necessary desegregation of the workforce. The construction of the Alcan saw the use of over 10,000 soldiers, providing necessary employment and housing for many during the war.

The Alcan Highway opened in 1942, and since then, it has been a symbol of human determination and engineering ingenuity. It has provided a vital transportation route for both military and civilian purposes, connecting Alaska to the rest of North America.

The episode further discusses the highway's economic impact, tourism, and the history of the communities that developed along it. The Alcan created vast economic opportunities for remote Alaskan towns while also increasing accessibility and easing transportation for its citizens. Tourism along the Alcan has since become a significant economic driver, drawing in tourists from all over the world.

The episode concludes by highlighting the incredible accomplishment of the Alcan Highway's construction. The highway was officially designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1996 and has become a symbol of North America's ingenuity and dedication to progress.

Overall, Modern Marvels season 10 episode 10, The Alcan Highway, provides viewers with a thrilling and informative look into the history, engineering, and impact of one of North America's most impressive feats of infrastructure.