The Glenn Highway

The Glenn Highway. . , The Matanuska River valley has always been a transportation corridor. Before 1900 the Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina Trail connected coastal Dena'ina and the interior Ahtna Hwt'aene' (Peoples) including Nay'dini'aa Na' (Chickaloon Native Village). In 1916 the Matanuska Spur of the Alaska Railroad was constructed up the valley to Chickaloon River following much of the alignment of the Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina Trail. Subsequently, much of the Glenn Highway between Sutton and Chickaloon was constructed on the alignment of the former railroad bed., The Glenn Highway was completed in 1945 linking the Alaska-Canada Highway to Anchorage. Before its completion, there was no road access to Anchorage from the Lower 48. While the "Alcan Highway" between British Columbia and Fairbanks was a military project spurred by World War II, the Glenn Highway was completed with civilian labor., During the summer, construction teams cut through rock and forest and maneuvered slowly through the steep and dangerous terrain. In the winter they built the highway bridges over the frozen rivers. The Glenn Highway construction was a remarkable accomplishment considering the equipment at the time was tiny by today's standards. The Glenn Highway was open to the public in 1948 and paved in the 1950's., In 2003 the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and Eureka was designated a National Scenic Byway for its notable history and culture, unique geology and outstanding vistas.