Juneau, Alaska to Skagway, Alaska Highway New Construction (Haines: maintenance, ferries)

[YellowstoneDate]

What does everyone think about a new highway from Juneau to Skagway?

[AKStafford]

They should build it, but the environmentalist will never let it happen.
And in a time where more and more government dollars go to welfare projects, there's no money left for infrastructure.

[YellowstoneDate]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

They should build it, but the environmentalist will never let it happen.
And in a time where more and more government dollars go to welfare projects, there's no money left for infrastructure.

Maybe Microsoft Corporation can build the only highway to the mainland from Juneau. They can make produce Microsoft television commercials of the development. A Win Win situation. Take about two years for the construction. http://www.microsoft.com

[takuriver]

I'm against it. I used to be for it but it would be a colossal waste of money. 36 avalanche zones and if you've ever seen the terrain you know very well it's going to come in way over budget.

The current plan calls for it to end at the Katzahin River across from Haines and use ferries to Haines and Skagway. We already have ferries. Here's a short film about the project, though it has an anti slant.

[vimeo]5227204[/vimeo]
"Blue Highway" - A Costa Del Mar Film on Vimeo

[Dakster]

You mean there are actually government projects that come in at or under budget?

Just kidding - I know there are, but large construction projects are tough.

[takuriver]

The maintenance of that road would be a financial burden and the fact that it's not going all the way makes it a huge waste.

Juneau would get a few more independent tourists out of the deal but that's about it. The legislators huffing about lack of access and this road being the fix are blowing smoke. . Driving that road in winter isn't going to be any better than taking the ferry from Haines. It's more about the money Washington would spend on the project than anything.