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Dalton Highway

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Overview

The James W. Dalton Highway, usually referred to as the Dalton Highway (and signed as Alaska Route 11), is a 414-mile (666 km) road in Alaska. It begins at the Elliott Highway, north of Fairbanks, and ends at Deadhorse (an unincorporated community within the CDP of Prudhoe Bay) near the Arctic Ocean and the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields. Once called the North Slope Haul Road (a name by which it is still sometimes known), it was built as a supply road to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1974. It is named after James W. Dalton, a lifelong Alaskan and an engineer who supervised construction of the Distant Early Warning Line in Alaska and, as an expert in Arctic engineering, served as a consultant in early oil exploration in northern Alaska. It is also the subject of the second episode of America's Toughest Jobs, seasons 3 and 4 of Ice Road Truckers and the first episode of the BBC's World's Most Dangerous Roads. The road is about one-quarter paved and three-quarters gravel.

Wikivoyage guide · 27 sections

▸Introduction1,025 chars

The James W. Dalton Highway (Alaska Route 11, the "Dalton Highway", "the Dalton", or the "Haul Road") is a 414 mi (666 km) road traversing central and northern Alaska. It is one of only two roads in North America (the other being the Dempster Highway in Yukon, Canada) that cross the Arctic Circle and connect to the rest of the North American road network. It begins at Mile 73 of the Elliott Highway (Alaska Route 2) 84 mi (135 km) north of Fairbanks and ends at Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean amid the Prudhoe Bay oilfield.

The scenic Dalton Highway passes courses through boreal forests, across the Yukon river and the Arctic Circle, through the Brooks Range mountains, the Continental Divide at Atigun pass, and finally traverses the treeless North Slope tundra to the Deadhorse and the Prudhoe Bay oilfields near the Arctic Ocean. While travel up the entirety of this road is quite an undertaking, the journey rewards drivers with breathtaking vistas and the experience of America's Arctic, its wildlife and landscape.

▸History1,953 chars

When oil was discovered at Prudhoe Bay in 1969, the state of Alaska operated as a "boom-and-bust economy" without any stable industries and, more importantly, America was critically short of oil and mostly at the mercy of volatile Arab nations (just two years after the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War). Plans for drilling the oil and for an 800 mi pipeline were thrown together at a dizzying speed, as the U.S. government and oil companies worked to settle land claims with Native Americans, attain proper permits, ensure environmental safeguards, and build ways of accessing this extremely remote area. The Dalton Highway was hastily constructed in just 5 months, in 1974, to provide access for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline under construction. It was built at a similar, dizzying pace, price, and fashion as the nearby Alaska Highway, constructed during World War Two.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia1,332 words

WBP editorial3

Logistics of the Long Haul

Travellers who venture beyond the few service points along the route quickly learn that the Dalton Highway operates like a rolling supply chain. Fuel stops are sparse and often require pre‑booking; many operators keep extra diesel on board and plan for a minimum 300‑kilometre gap between refuel points. The road’s gravel surface can wash out after spring melt, so a sturdy all‑terrain vehicle with spare tyres and a winch is essential. Seasonal daylight shifts dramatically—mid‑summer offers near‑continuous sun, while winter brings prolonged darkness, making navigation and road‑watching a matter of preparation rather than spontaneity.

Beyond the Pipeline: Wildlife Encounters

While the highway’s primary narrative revolves around oil infrastructure, it also skirts some of the sub‑arctic’s most resilient fauna. Caribou herds use the corridor as a seasonal fly‑way, and it’s not unusual to see a lone muskox pause at a road bend. Birdwatchers will spot snowy owls perched atop the occasional wind turbine, especially during migration windows in October and April. Respectful distance is key; the road’s isolation means that any disturbance can have amplified effects on these populations, so a pair of binoculars is more useful than a vehicle’s horn.

See also: Winter driving.

The Dalton Highway has the distinction of (among other things) having the longest stretch of serviceless road in North America. North of Coldfoot, there is a 240 mi (386 km) stretch of road with no gas stations, restaurants, hotels, or any other basic services until the Prudhoe Bay oilfield at Deadhorse. Therefore, travelers are advised to have basic survival supplies, car repair equipment, and equipment for camping and other activities, stocking up no further north than Fairbanks, as all four communities further north offering services are extremely expensive, and since Fairbanks is a small city (pop. 32,000), there will be bargains to be found. Drivers should check and replace worn belts & hoses on their vehicles and ensure all tires (including spares) are properly inflated.

CB radio or Satellite phone (though expensive) since cellular service is extremely limited. CB radios are far less expensive.

Cash and/or major credit cards (i.e. Visa or MasterCard). No services accept debit cards and there is only one ATM in Deadhorse.

Spare tires (full-size, preferably on/with another rim and chains for all four tires) and basic car repair tools.

Kits used to repair windshield chipping can be especially valuable in preventing chips from turning into full-fledged cracked windshields (especially valuable for rentals, where damage can be very costly).

Spare windshield wipers, as well as several gallons of windshield cleaning fluid (you will need to clean your windshield many times from the dust trucks create, and mosquito/insect build-up from approximately late May to early September). At times, wipers won't clean thoroughly, so have paper towels on hand to "hand wash" the windshield.

Road flares (trucks can't stop quickly and there are numerous blind corners/crests)

Protection against the elements (warm clothes, rain jackets, blankets, etc.)

Spare fuel (at minimum a 5- or 10-gallon container (19-38 L)), ideally purchased in Fairbanks to offset the high prices northward. Keep in mind that vapor can vent from containers of gasoline, posing a danger if stored inside of a vehicle (including an enclosed trunk).

Food, including healthy snacks and ready-to-eat meals.

Several gallons of bottled water.

Garbage/rubbish bags

Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap and water.

First Aid kit

Insect repellent ("Off!" and the like, and/or the "Skin So Soft" variety) and/or mosquito netting.

Optional: Camping equipment, stove/pots (to cook food and/or boil stream water or snow, and/or high-quality water "Brita" pitchers with several additional filters), satellite phone (though expensive) since cellular service is extremely limited, canoes, kayaks, rafts, handgun or rifle and several bullets (for hunting or bear protection), and for hiking: a backpack, hiking pole, bear repellent spray, knee-high waterproof boots (for marshes); parka, maximum head and face protection & snow shoes (winter).

If you plan on adventuring, there are several equipment rental stores in/around Fairbanks, including:

Alaska Outdoor Rentals & Guides, ☏ +1 907-457-2453, larry@2paddle1.com. 11:30AM–5:30PM.

▸Driving1,822 chars

See also: Tips for road trips and Winter driving.

The speed limit on the Dalton Highway is 50 mph (80 km/h) its entire length and keep your headlights on at all times! Use parking lights if parked near the road (although you should park far off the road) and emergency blinkers if disabled. Raising the hood of your vehicle can signal to passing drivers that you are disabled and may elicit help from passing drivers. If making repairs on a vehicle, park at least 10 ft (3.5 m) off the road to avoid being hit or pelted with gravel.

The road was built for trucks carrying supplies to the oilfield. Trucks have the right of way! Understand that what may be a simple task in a car can be much more difficult in a large truck. Trucks cannot brake as quickly, nor can they "get out of the way" as easily. Many trucks have overturned as a result of hitting the berm or ditch at high speed, whereas a car can (much more) easily and safely get out of the way.

Always slow down when passing an oncoming vehicle; it is common courtesy as a stone flung at your windshield at 50 mph will do a lot more damage than one flung at 10 mph. Check your rearview mirror frequently and pull over to allow vehicles to pass you. If you want to pass a vehicle ahead of you, flash your bright lights, turn your lights on/off, or tap the horn lightly; tap the horn as you're passing in appreciation. Finally, if you're stranded, don't expect trucks to stop for you. It wastes a considerable amount of fuel to come to a stop, idle while helping you, and then get back up to cruising speed.

There are many steep grades on the Dalton, especially in the Brooks Range (many at the maximum 12%). In wintery weather, chains may be required to gain traction ascending these slopes. Be sure to carry chains with you, even in months like June or September.

▸Boreal Forests (Miles 0-175)4,283 chars

Miles 0-175 are dominated by boreal forests. Much of this stretch of the highway was ravaged by wildfires in 2004 & 2005 (Alaska's 1st & 3rd largest fire seasons of record), leaving behind many swaths of charred trees. Most, but not all, of the wildlife in this region has left. With only skinny trees obscuring your view, the fireweed flowers (so named for their tendency to colonize fire ravaged regions) give the forest floors a carpet of bright pink, wildflowers peak in early July.

Mile 24 A pullout beside the Hess Creek, providing a safe place to park and take a break.

Mile 54 Pump station #6. This station is one of the eleven pump stations that keep oil flowing through the 800 mile pipeline. While the stations are numbered from one to twelve, station eleven was never built.

Mile 56 Yukon River Here, the Dalton Highway and pipeline pass over the mighty and wild Yukon River, which runs nearly 2,000 miles (3,220 km) from Canada to the Bering Sea. There is a Bureau of Land Services visitor's center (no phone), which provides information about the status of the highway, information regarding federal lands along the highway (such as Gates of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge), and helps tourists with planning their trip along the Dalton and what lies ahead. There is a small hotel, a Northern Ventures gasoline station (closed in winter), tire/mechanic shop, and Yukon River Ventures(provides riverboat tours along the Yukon). Be sure to get unique photos of the pipeline suspended over the river (in lieu of a bridge).

Mile 60 A campsite with outhouse, potable water, trash bins, and gas are available just down the road at mile 60. There is also a former construction-camp-turned-hotel for $199/night. Nearby is a restaurant, open mid-May to mid-September, serving possibly the best food on the highway, but pricey: day-long breakfast $8–14, lunch $10–12, dinner $16–26. The hotel/restaurant/gift shop may be closed. Its website remains up as of 2014, but was last updated 2011, and the 2014 Dalton Highway visitor's guide only mentions a campsite at Mile 60.

Mile 73 First of a series of steep hills—the "Roller Coaster"—in a 60 mi (100 km) segment of the Dalton. The hill at Mile 73 is known as "Sand Hill".

Mile 75 "Roller Coaster Hill".

Mile 86.5 There is a minor road off the west side of the highway which leads up a hill to a gravel pit (beware heavy equipment), affording great views of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

Mile 87 "Mackey Hill"

Mile 98 A pullout on "Finger Mountain" which has a half-mile trail with several information signs. Great photography opportunity.

Mile 110 "Beaver Slide" hill.

Mile 115: Arctic Circle A pullout with picnic area, information boards a large sign denoting the Arctic Circle, the southernmost latitude where the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours on the summer solstice (21 Jun) and below the horizon on the winter solstice (21 Dec). There are camping sites up the hill and behind the picnic area with an outhouse and trash bins. Camping is not permitted in the picnic area nor viewing deck.

Mile 126.5 "Oh Shit Corner" Sometimes marked by an unofficial sign, the name is due to the location at a bend in the road at the base of Paradise Hill, a particularly treacherous spot for truckers who drive too fast.

Mile 132 A pullout with incredible views of the Brooks Range to the north. "Gobblers Knob" hill.

Mile 137 Pump station #5. Unlike other stations pump station #5 is actually a pressure relief station that slows down oil that is speeding down the pipeline after the descent from the Brooks Range.

Mile 150 Grayling Lake A picturesque lake carved thousands of years ago by glaciers. Popular with moose in summer looking for a drink.

Mile 175: Coldfoot (Pop.13) Founded in 1898, abandoned in 1912, and revived as a construction camp in 1970, Coldfoot is a major stop on the highway. There is a restaurant, tire shop, post office, gift shop, hook-ups for RVs, campsites, and an inn. Additionally there is a "visitor's center" in Coldfoot offering information on recreation & visitor services along the Dalton. After Coldfoot, there are 240 miles (386 km) without services such as gas or food... the longest such stretch in the United States! Leave prepared. Do not take this warning lightly!

▸Brooks Range (Miles 175-275)1,973 chars

Miles 175-275 run through the Brooks Range mountains. The landscape is composed of tall, jagged mountains, valleys, and gorges. This is prime location on the Dalton for hiking. Compared to the North Slope and Coastal Plain, which receive less than 10 inches of precipitation a year, the Brooks Range is frequented by blizzards, windy, and prone to snow even in July!

Mile 180 The only developed campsite along the highway with 27 campsites (for a fee, Memorial Day to Labor Day), potable water, an outhouse, trash bins, fire pits. Hiking 2 mi upstream leads to a 20-ft waterfall.

Mile 188: Wiseman (Pop. 22), located 3 mi off the Dalton Highway, is a quaint little mining town founded in 1907 by persons who abandoned the Coldfoot settlement, finding gold in a nearby creek. This historic village, and its residents subsistent on hunting and gardening, makes for a great stop on your trip. Keep in mind that all buildings are private property.

Mile 203 A great view of nearby Sukakpak mountain (4458 ft / 1338 m), with a massive face (i.e. cliff) facing you.

Mile 235 The further north you go, the fewer trees there are (due to permafrost and extreme cold). Here lies the furthest north spruce tree on the highway. It was killed by a vandal in 2004, estimated to be 273 years old.

Mile 237 Good viewpoint. The next few miles are a major avalanche hazard in the winter. The ADOT station here does not provide services; it stores cannons and road-clearing vehicles. They fire artillery shells in winter to clear the slopes above the highway.

Mile 244 Atigun Pass at 4739 ft (1422 m), is the highest point on the highway and marks the Continental Divide (water that falls to the south flows into the Pacific Ocean or Bering Sea, to the north the Arctic Ocean). The area is prone to snow, even in July, and is a prime location for seeing Dall sheep.

Mile 269 Pump station #4. At 2760 feet this station has the highest elevation of any pumping station along the oil pipeline.

▸North Slope (Miles 275-355)1,387 chars

Miles 275-355 pass through the North Slope, which is entirely permafrost and home to many herds of caribou, groups of muskox, as well as predatory birds, such as falcons. The only plants in this region are tough, ground-hugging shrubs. As the name implies, this is a slope leading from the Brooks Range down to the low-lying Coastal Plain.

Mile 275 Galbraith lake carved by a glacier along with the rest of the Atigun valley. A short hike downstream leads into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and to spectacular Atigun Gorge, the lake, and the Brooks Range. Lots of wildflowers in early summer. Follow the signs to the airstrip and continue driving 2.5 miles on an unimproved road to a campsite with an outhouse and trash bins.

Miles 278-293 No camping is permitted (due to environmental concerns).

Mile 284 Toolik Lake. The University of Alaska Fairbanks research station is not open to the public. Avoid disturbing their research sites scattered nearby.

Mile 312 Pump station #3.

Mile 334 Location of a large construction worker camp during the building of the pipeline and known as "Happy Valley," there is a campsite. The airstrip is used for gov't and university studies in the area, so avoid camping on it.

Mile 348 A pullover with a short trail and interpretive signs. Peregrine falcons feed in nearby bluffs in summer. The Philip Smith Mountains can be seen in the distance.

▸Arctic Coastal Plain (Miles 355-414)1,436 chars

Miles 355-414 pass through the Coastal Plain. This low-lying region is largely marsh and wet-lands during the summer. Don't be fooled though as permafrost lies just inches below the bottom of these shallow marshes. The plain is home to significant numbers of caribou and migratory birds feasting on the billions of insects which breed in these marshes. In winter, the plain is a flat, solid, windswept wasteland with only the distant Brooks Range as something discernible.

Mile 355 a pullover with an outhouse and trash containers.

Mile 359 Pump station #2.

Mile 383 Colorful, iron-rich bluffs on the far bank of the river. Caribou are often found along the river.

Mile 414 Deadhorse (pop. 25, Mile 414), the northern terminus of the highway and essentially a "company town", is in the midst of the Prudhoe Bay oilfield, and has a non-permanent population of 2,000-3,000 employees of the various oil operations. The Dalton Highway ends just a few miles inland of the Arctic Ocean, however, only private, restricted roads extend to the ocean. Fortunately, there are tours which can be booked through the hotels which not only take you to the ocean and its gravel beach (where you can take a frigid dip, joining the "Polar Bear Club") but also include a tour of the oilfield and operations. The ocean is ice-free from late July to October. Remember when leaving that there are no services for 240 miles (386 km) until you reach Coldfoot!

▸Do5,452 chars

Photography The Dalton Highway passes through incredibly beautiful terrain, and it would be a shame not to take pictures of it. Between the spectacular mountains, beautiful forests, wildlife, the Arctic Circle sign, Wiseman, the Yukon river, the North Slope, and the engineering marvel that is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, there is no shortage of good photos. Do bring a telephoto lens to shoot wildlife at a distance.

Camping This great wilderness is a great place to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors (or maybe save $219/249 (as of 2019) that the Slate Creek Inn in Coldfoot wants to charge you).

Just pull off the road at least 30 ft (10 m) and set up camp. See also: Car camping.

If leaving the highway for an extended hike, a GPS device is helpful. Note, however, that declination can be 27-30+ degrees in this region.

Hike/backpack Fresh air, free of smog and car fumes; short grass; no snakes or other hidden dangers; beautiful, unspoiled land. Why not? Walk through forests or tundra, climb one of the mountains of the Brooks Range. Once away from the highway, the virgin land appears before your eyes as it did to those in search of the Northwest Passage hundreds of years ago. There is private security along the pipeline, so heed all warning signs to avoid attracting attention from the helicopter patrols that frequently fly over the pipeline.

Be careful to avoid bears.

The best hiking is in the Brooks Range, where the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lies to the east and the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve to the west.

If bringing a GPS, recommended for long hikes, the declination at this latitude is great. In the Brooks Range and North Slope, it can be as steep as 30°!

The North Slope is largely marsh in the summer. It is filled with insects. Tall, waterproof boots are essential (remember that inches below the surface the ground is frozen... 32°F/0°C) as is bug repellent.

Hunting There are plenty of opportunities for hunting, but be sure you follow all laws. Both visitors' centers along the contact can advise you with hunting, and you are strongly recommended to contact them before hunting. The Alaskan moose is the largest moose species with males averaging 1400 lb, 7 ft tall, and carrying antlers 6 ft across. Men can talk down the friend who shot that measly 400 lb deer and women can get in touch with their "Sarah Palin side." Bow hunting is generally allowed everywhere. Furthermore, all hunting is prohibited within:

5 miles (8 km) of the highway/Pipeline (only applies to hunting with firearms), either side.

the Gates of the Arctic National Park (but permitted in Gates of the Arctic National Preserve)

Prudhoe Bay Closed Area

As consequences are severe for unlawful hunting, be sure to have accurate maps of the boundaries and :stay out of prohibited areas'.

Fishing is permissible in most streams and rivers. Visitor centers along the highway can provide a guide specifically about fishing along the Dalton. However, as fish reproduce and grow more slowly in these colder climates, you are encouraged to only catch-and-release fish. You will need an Alaska sport fishing license (nonresident 1–14 days, $20–80 as of 2008) which can likely be purchased in Fairbanks(call the Dept of Fish & Game in Fairbanks at +1 907-459-7207 for a list of vendors) or online. Within 5 miles (8 km) of the highway, the following restrictions are in place:

Fishing for salmon is prohibited

Lake trout are catch-and-release only

The daily bag/possession limit for Arctic greyling is 5.

Gold Panning Many towns in this region began in the early 20th century as communities of gold miners and gold panning is permitted on any federal stream south of Atigun Pass (Mile 244), with the exception of the pipeline right-of-way (27 ft/8.2m). The visitor's centers can provide free brochures on mineral collection along the Dalton which even rates their potential for gold. The best places for gold panning have been near Coldfoot/Wiseman.

Kayaking, Rafting, & Canoeing There are several possible river trips along the Dalton. The visitor center in Coldfoot is best for information on this matter. Canoes and rafts can be rented from several places in Fairbanks. Two rivers can provide an excellent trip along the Dalton, provided there is a driver to drive your vehicle from launch to pick-up:

The Jim River and Middle Fork-Koyukuk River. Class I-II w/several access points along the highway.

Antigun & Sagavanirktok Rivers. Class II-IV whitewater. Enter at Mile 271, exit at Mile 306.

Ivishak National Wild River. Class II. Access by chartered air service from Deadhorse or Coldfoot.

Cross country skiing is available in most months outside July. Bring your own skis, as there is nowhere to rent them along the highway.

Note that the region is extremely remote. You should bring appropriate maps (possibly available at the visitor's centers) or a GPS device when doing so. Remember declination can be as much as 27º-30º, so recalibrate your device before leaving the highway.

Remember that when snow is present, temperatures are extremely cold. Plan for appropriate temperatures. Blizzards can occur in the Brooks Range even in every month but July!

Riverboat on the Yukon River. At the Yukon River crossing, there is the Yukon River Tours shop which offers riverboat trips three times daily on the river, taking you down miles of the Yukon River and visiting a Native-American fish camp. As of 2006, $20 per person.

▸Animal life1,285 chars

The Dalton Highway passes through territory of the fearsome grizzly bear. Understand that black bear attacks are almost always defensive, whereas grizzly bear attacks are predatory (often unexpected). Bear repellent spray (a very strong pepper spray/mace) is considerably safer than carrying a rifle. See this article for comprehensive information on bear safety. In the winter, polar bears can roam the North Slope. Polar bears are massive, as ferocious as the grizzly bear, and very stealthy (and in darkness, not very discernible from the snow). Fortunately, you probably won't be outdoors during the season polar bears migrate into the region. You cannot learn enough about bear safety in this region. Consult one of the visitor's centers along the highway for more information and brochures.

You may encounter wolves and foxes in this region. Moose can be dangerous if threatened. They weigh, on average, 1,400 lb (640 kg) and have 6 ft wide antlers. Being mauled or stepped on by a moose can be lethal or leave you seriously injured in a region where medical services are distant and take hours for you to be treated. Animal life along the Dalton is great, but enjoy them at a distance.

Also visible are Dall sheep, musk-ox, caribou, wolverines (rare), and other smaller mammals.

▸Go next1,456 chars

Fairbanks is a town in Interior Alaska. With 31,000 inhabitants (2019), and 98,000 in Fairbanks North Star Borough, it is Alaska's third-largest city and the largest in the interior of Alaska. A junction of several major highways, will be a likely stop of most visitors to the state.

Hot springs are numerous in Interior Alaska; the closest to Fairbanks are: Chena, Circle, Melozi, & Manley.

Steese Highway leads into remote, pristine areas of the interior with a long history of gold mining (or hopes thereof) and has several interesting and historic mines and camps along it.

Elliot Highway continues to Manley Hot Springs, where there is a small town and, as the name implies, a hot spring.

Bettles, not far from the highway, but only accessible by air. A lodge is available for a stay.

Utqiaġvik (Barrow), the northernmost city in the U.S. that is not accessible by road, but by plane only.

Pan American (PanAm) Highway In Alaska the Dalton Highway and the Alaska Highway make up the 'Pan-American' highway which spans from the northern coast of Alaska to the Darien Gap in Panama. The Dalton Highway from Deadhorse to Fairbanks, and the Alaska Highway from Fairbanks to Dawson Creek, BC. From Dawson Creek one can travel through British Columbia or Alberta, Canada to reach the lower 48. There are no "official" designations of the Pan-American Highway in Canada but there are multiple ways to reach the Mexican border through Canada and the lower 48.

Introduction

Highway in Alaska Not to be confused with Dalton Trail. Alaska Route 11Dalton HighwayNorth Slope Haul RoadDalton Highway highlighted in redRoute informationMaintained by Alaska DOT&PFLength414 mi (666 km)Existed1974–presentMajor junctionsSouth end AK-2 (Elliot Highway) near LivengoodNorth endEast Lake Colleen Drive in Deadhorse LocationCountryUnited StatesStateAlaskaBoroughsUnorganized, North Slope Highway system Alaska Routes Interstate Scenic Byways ← AK-10→ AK-98 Sukakpak Mountain is a landmark at MP 203 Dalton Highway The James W. Dalton Highway, usually referred to as the Dalton Highway (and signed as Alaska Route 11), is a 414-mile (666 km) road in Alaska. It begins at the Elliott Highway, north of Fairbanks, and ends at Deadhorse (an unincorporated community within the CDP of Prudhoe Bay) near the Arctic Ocean and the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields. Once called the North Slope Haul Road (a name by which it is still sometimes known), it was built as a supply road to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1974. It is named after James W. Dalton, a lifelong Alaskan and an engineer who supervised construction of the Distant Early Warning Line in Alaska and, as an expert[according to whom?] in Arctic engineering,[citation needed] served as a consultant in early oil exploration in northern Alaska. It is also the subject of the second episode of America's Toughest Jobs, seasons 3 and 4 of Ice Road Truckers and the first episode of the BBC's World's Most Dangerous Roads. The road is about one-quarter paved and three-quarters gravel.[citation needed]

History

[edit] In 1966, Governor Walter J. Hickel opened the North Slope to oil extraction. To improve access to the oil fields, a 400-mile (640 km) winter road was planned between Livengood and Prudhoe Bay. Construction started in November 1968, and the "Walter J. Hickel Highway" was completed by March 1969. Due to poor engineering, the construction of the road exposed the underlying permafrost to thawing, and the road was abandoned by April of that year. Maintenance was not performed as the route was farther west than the planned Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Following the failure of the Hickel Highway, oil companies still needed a route to the North Slope. The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company funded what would be the first stretch of the Dalton Highway from Livengood to the Yukon River in 1969. Delays to the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, and therefore the road, meant that work on it did not resume until April 29, 1974. Within 5 months, 390 miles (630 km) of the road were built and construction was finished. The pipeline would not be completed until 1977. It was initially known as the "Wales Highway". In 1979, Alyeska turned over control of the road to the state of Alaska, who gave it the official name of "James W. Dalton Highway", named after the prospector of the North Slope, James W. Dalton. In 1981, the highway was opened to the public up to Disaster Creek at mile 211. In 1994, the public was allowed access to the entire length of the highway.

Route description

[edit] The highway, which directly parallels the pipeline, is one of the most isolated roads in the United States. There are only three towns along the route: Coldfoot (pop. 34) at Mile 175, Wiseman (pop. 12) at Mile 188, and Deadhorse (25 permanent residents, 3,500–5,000 or more seasonal residents depending on oil production) at the end of the highway at Mile 414. Fuel is available at the E. L. Patton Yukon River Bridge (Mile 56), as well as Coldfoot and Deadhorse. Two other settlements, Prospect Creek and Galbraith Lake, are uninhabited except for campers and other short-term residents. The road itself is mostly gravel, very primitive in places, and small vehicle and motorcycle travel carries significant risk. The nearest medical facilities are in Fairbanks and Deadhorse. Anyone embarking on a journey on the Dalton is encouraged to bring survival gear.[citation needed] Despite its remoteness, the Dalton Highway carries a good amount of truck traffic through to Prudhoe Bay: about 160 trucks daily in the summer months and 250 trucks daily in the winter. The highway comes to within a few miles of the Arctic Ocean. Beyond the highway's terminus at Deadhorse are private roads owned by oil companies, which are restricted to authorized vehicles only. There are, however, commercial tours that take people to the Arctic Ocean. All vehicles must take extreme precaution when driving on the road, and drive with headlights on at all times. There are quite a few steep grades (up to 12%) along the route, as well.[citation needed] As of July 2013[update],[needs update] 129 miles (208 km) of the highway are paved, in several sections, between the following mileages: 19 and 24; 37 and 50; 91 and 111; 113 and 197; 257 and 261; 344 and 352; and 356 and 361.[citation needed] Truckers on the Dalton have given their own names to its various features, including: Taps, The Shelf, Franklin Bluffs, Oil Spill Hill, Beaver Slide, Surprise Rise, Sand Hill, Ice Cut, Gobbler's Knob, Finger Mountain, Oh Shit Corner, and the Roller Coaster. The road reaches its highest elevation as it crosses the Brooks Range at Atigun Pass at 4,739 feet (1,444 m). The highway is the featured road on the second (episode 7), third, fourth, fifth and sixth seasons of the History reality television series Ice Road Truckers, which aired May 31, 2009, to November 9, 2017. It is also the subject of the second episode of America's Toughest Jobs and the first episode of the BBC's World's Most Dangerous Roads featuring Charley Boorman and Sue Perkins. Polar bears are known to traverse the Arctic region of Alaska and can be seen wandering the outskirts of Deadhorse at the terminus of the Dalton Highway. Floodings of the Sagavanirktok River, combined with melting of nearby ice roads under warmer climatic conditions have forced weeks-long closures of the road and the need for significant repairs, costing several million US dollars. In 2018, a 4,000-foot (1,200 m) section of the Dalton was moved to avoid a debris flow known as "the blob." A roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) long lobe of dirt, ice, and trees, the blob threatened to bulldoze the section of the road 200 miles (320 km) north of Fairbanks in the next three or four years at a speed of 15 feet (4.6 m) per year. It will likely have to be moved again in the next 20 years before the blob can threaten it again. Truckers were directed to a new gravel road that avoided the landslide.

Dalton Highway

Logistics of the Long Haul

Beyond the Pipeline: Wildlife Encounters

Comparative Perspective: Dalton vs. Canada’s Ice Roads