Press Releases
January 4, 2024
Alaska Railroad and U.S. Forest Service announce changes to reservations for Spencer Bench cabin and nearby campsites
January 11, 2024
Alaska Railroad Fairbanks sign-and-sales event rescheduled to Jan. 27
January 30, 2024
Alaska Railroad seeks artists for 2025 Commemorative Art Prints and Posters
Image of 2025 Call for Arists with sample winning art prints
April 9, 2024
Alaska Railroad seeks to replace Seward Passenger Dock with $137 million purchase in new infrastructure
May 4, 2024
Alaska Railroad notifies public of train fatality at MP 157.8 (Wasilla)
May 21, 2024
Alaska Railroad and the Alaska State Fair announce return of the Fair Train for 2024.
June 8, 2024
Alaska Railroad notifies public of a pedestrian incident at MP 111.4 (Anchorage)
September 9, 2024
Alaska Railroad to host 'Railroad Days' Open House on Sept. 28 at Fairbanks Depot.
Image of Fairbanks Depot during 2023 Open House
Image of employees aboard coach during 2023 Open House
Image of Onboard Supervisor Daniel Fretwell with coloring page
November 4, 2024
Alaska Railroad announces the release of 'Alaska Railroad Buddies' by Scott Clendaniel winner of the 2025 art print contest
Image of 'Alaska Railroad Buddies'
Image of artist Scott Clendaniel
January 17, 2023
Avalanche hits freight train and derails locomotives at ARRC Milepost 71.5, about 3 miles east of Girdwood.
Image of avalanche and locomotives on the track at ARRC Milepost 71.5 (courtesy of Alaska Railroad)
January 18, 2023
Railroad makes progress on addressing avalanche-derail incident at MP 71.5, about 3 miles east of Girdwood.
Image of avalanche clean-up on the track at ARRC Milepost 71.5 (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
January 19, 2023
Two locomotives re-railed, track damage assessed and progress to open the line continues at avalanche site near Girdwood.
Image of derailed locomotive being re-railed at the avalanche site (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
January 20, 2023
The railroad completed track repairs and avalanche control before opening mainline track along Turnagain Arm.
Image of avalanche response site overview (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
Image of track repair activities at the avalanche site (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
Image of final locomotive yet to be rerailed at the avalanche site (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
January 23, 2023
Railroad promotes controller Michelle Maddox to fill CFO post
Image of Michelle Maddox portrait (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
January 26, 2023
The Alaska Railroad sets deadline and preferred focus for 2024 Annual Art Print Contest.
Artist Application to ARRC Art Print Contest
ARRC 2024 Art Print Contest Flyer
April 19, 2023
The Alaska Railroad's popular family-friendly open house return in time to celebrate Centennial Year in 2023. First open house is May 6 in Anchorage.
Spring 2023
The Alaska Railroad notifies public about cybersecurity data breach and steps taken in response.
April 20, 2023 - initial news release
Frequently Asked Questions - additional information about the cybersecurity incident.
May 26, 2023 - update news release - incident includes protected health information
May 2, 2023
Alaska Railroad shares more information the public can use to fully enjoy the Anchorage community open house on May 6
Open House Activities Map and Descriptions
July 13, 2023
Alaska Railroad announces several employee promotions and transfers from late 2022 through July 2023
July 20, 2023
Alaska Railroad promotes Director of External Affairs Christy Terry to Vice President of Real Estate effective August 1
Image of Christy Terry portrait (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
July 21, 2023
Alaska Railroad celebrates Centennial in Nenana on July 15, 2023
July 26, 2023
Alaska Railroad announces Meghan Clemens as new director of External Affairs
Image of Meghan Clemens portrait (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
Sept. 15, 2023
Alaska Railroad Days Open House in Fairbanks scheduled for Sept. 23, 2023
Image of Alaska Railroad employees outside Fairbanks Depot on July 15, 2023 (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
November 2, 2023
Alaska Railroad releases its 2024 Art Print celebrating the all-women, Athabascan crew of section hands working near Cantwell in the 1940s.
December 29, 2023
Alaska Railroad notifies passengers of upcoming address change for the Wasilla passenger rail stop eff. Jan 4, 2024.
Map showing previous and new location of Wasilla passenger stop (courtesy of the Alaska Railroad)
January 31, 2022
The Alaska Railroad announces March 31, 2022, as deadline for 2023 Annual Art Print Contest.
March 9, 2022
The Alaska Railroad to replace Seward passenger dock, with legislative approval of bond funding.
March 19, 2022
The Alaska Railroad statement regarding Rep. Don Young passing.
April 2, 2022
The Alaska Railroad releases its 2021 Annual Report.
April 6, 2022
Freight train incident involves fatality near Bird Point.
April 7, 2022
Bird Point fatality identified.
April 19, 2022
ADVISORY: Logistics company tests self-driving truck in Whittier Rail Yard.
April 25, 2022
Railroad makes progress on Seward Passenger Dock replacement.
May 12, 2022
Railroad to hold first used ties sale on Saturday, May 21.
May 19, 2022
Railroad gets bonding approval to fund Seward Passenger Dock replacement.
House Bill 127 - Revenue bond legislation
June 6, 2022
Railroad names new External Affairs Director.
July 11, 2022
Railroad names new Engineering Services Director.
July 20, 2022
Railroad marks funding milestone for Seward passenger dock replacement project.
Aug. 1, 2022
Railroad seeks public member on new ARRC Board of Directors External Issues Review Committee. Find support materials (committee charter and certification of eligibility form) on the Board page of AlaskaRailroad.com
Aug. 22, 2022
Railroad to hold final used ties sale of the summer on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Nov. 4, 2022
Railroad remembers Bill Sheffield.
Dec. 13, 2022
Railroad schedules sign-and-sale event for official Centennial Year art prints and posters.
Image of Locomotive Line-up poster/print
Image of Nenana Depot / Spike Driving poster/print
Nenana artist Noah Nolywaika - Portrait image and photo Nolywaika's artwork delivery near train.
North Pole artist William "Art" Chase - Cropped Portrait image and photo of Chase in locomotive cab.
Jan. 8, 2021
Railroad announces Catch the Train photo contest finalists and how to vote for grand prize winner.
Jan. 8, 2021
Railroad congratulates record number of Gold Spike awards, as top honor recognizing stellar employees.
Jan. 8, 2021
Railroad seeks artist to create artwork for 2022 official poster and print.
Flyer recruiting artists to submit ideas
Artist contest entry form
Jan. 12, 2021
2021 print and poster signing events rescheduled to early February.
March 11, 2021
Railroad revises summer 2021 passenger train schedule to meet demand.
April 1, 2021
The Alaska Railroad releases its 2020 Annual Report, including a year-in-review narrative and audited financial statements.
May 12, 2021
The Alaska Railroad is scheduling the first Used Ties Sale event all day Saturday, May 22.
Oct. 11, 2021
The Alaska Railroad has scheduled 2022 Art Print / Poster sign-and-sale events for December
February 13, 2020
Railroad names veteran mechanical leader to fill Chief Mechanical Officer position.
March 17, 2020
Railroad suspends Aurora Winter Train service, in line with national and international health agency directives related to COVID-19 pandemic.
April 1, 2020
Alaska Railroad posts $21.6 million net income from total revenues of $203 million last year, as noted in ARRC's 2019 Annual Report.
April 3, 2020
In line with COVID-19 guidance from national and global health agencies, the Alaska Railroad delays the start of regularly-scheduled summer passenger trains.
May 21, 2020
Railroad puts used ties sales on hold during summer and early fall 2020, due to low inventory.
May 29, 2020
Railroad announces summer 2020 daily train schedules, including Hurricane Turn flagstop consolidated with Denali Star train.
June 30, 2020
2020 discounts for train fares, hotels and activities make it easy – and affordable – for Alaskans to explore Alaska by rail.
July 6, 2020
Railroad kicks off popular annual Catch the Train Photo Contest, offering opportunity to win cash and prizes.
July 23, 2020
Reduced ridership leads to revised summer train schedules, including shorter season for Coastal Classic and fewer trains for Denali Star.
Sept. 30, 2020
Railroad unveils 2021 official art print / posters, which goes on sale in November. Meet the artist and get an autograph during sale-and-sign events Dec. 5 in Fairbanks and Dec. 12 in Anchorage.
Nov. 25, 2020
Railroad delays artist signing events for the 2021 official art print / posters, which are now on sale at the Alaska Railroad Gift Shop located inside the Anchorage Historic Depot, Fairbanks Depot and online.
January 02, 2019
The Alaska Railroad continues 40-year-old Annual Art Print Contest tradition. Entries due Feb. 22, 2019.
January 15, 2019
Northbound freight train railcar derails near Cantwell, disrupting train traffic.
January 17, 2019
Northbound freight train derailment update: Repairs continue, bridge cleared and train traffic expected to resume Friday.
January 18, 2019
Northbound freight train derailment update: Mainline to re-open. Freight train traffic resumes Friday night; passenger service resumes Saturday morning.
April 1, 2019
Alaska Railroad posts $18 million net income from total revenues of $171.6 million last year, as noted in ARRC's 2018 Annual Report.
April 3, 2019
Alaska Railroad selects two Anchorage artists to produce next two annual commemorative art prints / posters.
May 8, 2019
Small locomotive engine fire extinguished quickly.
July 27, 2019
Alaska-to-Alberta (A2A) announces cooperation agreement with Alaska Railroad toward building a 1500-mile rail connection between Alaska and Canada.
August 5, 2019
Alaska Railroad redevelops and posts Press Kit as journalist resource.
August 16, 2019
Heavy rainfall erodes track retaining wall, causing a rail service outage in Denali Park area.
- PHOTO: retaining wall image
August 19, 2019
Alaska Railroad cancels passenger service between Anchorage and Denali Park due to McKinley Fire north of Willow.
August 21, 2019
Alaska Railroad restores train service, following several days of disrupted service due to wet weather and forest fires.
August 23, 2019
Threats from fire and ice warrant continued monitoring and modified rail service for near future.
- PHOTO: Railroad bridge over Snow River
- PHOTO: Railroad clears track running through McKinley Fire area
August 23, 2019
Railroad cancels State Fair Train over Aug. 24-25 weekend due to ongoing wildfire and flooding challenges.
August 26, 2019
Railroad begins repair of track damaged from Snow River flooding.
- PHOTO: Snow River rising water flows over tracks
- PHOTO: Snow River rising water scours bridge infrastructure (ground view)
- PHOTO: Snow River rising water scours bridge infrastructure (aerial view)
- PHOTO: Snow River causes significant washouts (side view)
- PHOTO: Crews begin to repair washouts from Snow River flooding
- PHOTO: Snow River water levels recede, revealing washouts
August 28, 2019
Railroad confirms Labor Day weekend Fair Trains will operate.
September 10, 2019
Railroad schedules release of commemorative 2020 Art Print / Poster during two sale-and-sign events in November.
- PHOTO: Scanned image of the watercolor painting that is the basis of the 2020 art print / poster
September 16, 2019
Railroad pursues public-private partnership to develop new rail-marine terminal in Seward.
- FACT SHEET: Seward Cruise Terminal Replacement project facts and background
- WEB SITE: Project website with more information, contacts and resources
September 17, 2019
Governor Mike Dunleavy press release announcing Craig Campbell as his appointee to Alaska Railroad Board of Directors
January 2, 2018
The Alaska Railroad names 2018 Catch the Train Photo Contest winner.
January 26, 2018
The Alaska Railroad extends deadline for Annual Art Print Contest to Feb. 23, 2018.
January 31, 2018
Alaska Railroad presents Gold Spike Awards to celebrate some of 2017's outstanding employees.
February 2, 2018
Alaska Railroad names new Vice President of Engineering.
March 26, 2018
Alaska Railroad schedule celebration to recognize a conductor and carman who have 50-year work anniversaries in 2018, marking a century of service.
March 27, 2018
Alaska Railroad selects artist to create painting as basis for 2019 ARRC annual collector's art print / poster.
March 30, 2018
Alaska Railroad releases its 2017 Annual Report, with audited financial statements showing a $22.4 million net income. The annual report is posted online.
March 30, 2018
Alaska Railroad celebrates a Century of Service by naming passenger dining car 401 after Conductor / Brakeman Harry Ross and dining car 452 after Carman Inspector Charles Dillard on March 29. The two men mark 50-year work anniversaries in 2018.
April 12, 2018
Alaska Railroad selects Alaskan transportation artist to create artwork as a gift to honor retiring railroaders with 35 or more years of service.
May 12, 2018
Susitna River flooding near Curry halts some train traffic.
May 14, 2018
UPDATE: As Susitna River flood waters recede, crews begin clearing ice overflow and repairing track to reopen main line by May 15.
July 3, 2018
Alaska Railroad names new head of Advanced Train Control System department as VP Eileen Reilly retires.
Sept. 13, 2018
Alaska Railroad releases new 2019 commemorative art print / poster and schedules sale-and-sign events in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Sept. 21, 2018
Alaska Railroad hosts historic maintenance car group convoy tour Sept. 8-23.
Nov. 26, 2018
Railroad hosts official 2019 art print / poster signing during Dec. 7 First Friday showcase in Fairbanks.
Nov. 27, 2018
Now seeking Alaskan artists and ideas for Railroad's 2020 official art print / poster.
Archived Press Releases
January 18, 2017
The Alaska Railroad and condo developer Ship Creek Development, LLC, host a kick-off event January 23 to introduce a unique new mixed-used neighborhood development on railroad land in lower downtown Anchorage.
January 20, 2017
The Alaska Railroad hosts a First Friday Special Event February 3 to showcase commemorative annual art prints, to offer up to 50% discounts on railroad poster and print sales, and to feature several artists who created artwork as the basis of art prints from the last decade. Free parking, light snacks, free drawing for round-trip rail tickets for 2!
December 8, 2017
The Alaska Railroad names VP Engineering Clark Hopp as new chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2018, when current COO Doug Engebretson retires.
November 18, 2016
Railroad seeks artist to create artwork as basis for 2018 official art print / poster. Deadline to submit ideas is February 24, 2017.
October 13, 2016
Railroad schedule 2017 commemorative art print sign-and-sale event as part of local community Fairbanks First Friday program on December 2.
September 16, 2016
Fact Sheet about the Liquified Natural Gas Rail Transportation Demonstration Project - A first in the nation.
September 16, 2016
Railroad schedules sign-and-sale events featuring artist Taffina Katkus who painted the painting that is the basis for the 2017 Alaska Railroad commemorative art print / poster. Wasilla - Nov. 5; Anchorage - Nov. 12; Fairbanks - Dec. 2.
April 7, 2016
Railroad schedules biennial community open house in Anchorage, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. Free parking, free entrance, free train rides and many more family friendly activities.
October 13, 2015
Railroad to participate in December 4 Fairbanks First Friday program with 2016 Art Print sale-and-sign event featuring the artist on hand to sign posters and prints.
October 1, 2015
Railroad sets Annual Print Sale-and-Sign Events.
September 4, 2015
Railroad organizes last public used ties sale of the year on Saturday, September 19, in Brichwood.
May 21, 2015
Freight Shed earns Silver LEED certification. Award ceremony slated for May 27.
April 14, 2015
Railroad to hold community open house in Fairbanks, Saturday, May 9.
April 1, 2015
Railroad releases 2014 corporate annual report.
December 2, 2014
Railroad seeks Alaskn artist to produce artwork as basis of the official 2016 Alaska Railroad commemorative print/poster.
November 14, 2014
Railroad honors Jack Burton as second railroader in history to reach 50-year miletone as an employee.
October 06, 2014
Railroad releases commemorative annual print and poster during sale-and-signing events early November. The 2015 art print/poster features Whittier.
September 12, 2014
League of Railway Industry Women recognizes Wendy Lindskoog.
August 1, 2014
ARRC Announces Ribbon Cutting for Tanana River Crossing.
June 19, 2014
UPDATE: Maintenance crews make progress on repairing Skookum Creek track washout; "Go/no-go" decision on Friday train service to be made by 7:00 p.m.
June 18, 2014
UPDATE: High water at Skookum Creek (ARRC MP 59.7) washes out track; continues to interrupt southbound passenger train traffic.
June 17, 2014
High water at Skookum Creek (ARRC MP 59.7) washes out track; interrupts southbound passenger train traffic.
June 6, 2014
Crossing at C Street to close June 11-14 for upgrade.
May 19, 2014
Railroad introduces all-inclusive dining with first-class GoldStar passenger train service, beginning Summer 2015.
April 9, 2014
Alaska Railroad schedules "Railroad Days" community open house event in Anchorage on Saturday, May 3.
November 6, 2013
Railroad names new Chief Operating Officer Doug Engebretson.
November 1, 2013
Railroad seeks art ideas for 2015 Annual Art Print Contest.
October 25, 2013
Railroad names new President/Chief Executive Officer Bill O'Leary.
October 10, 2013
Railroad schedules three sale-and-sign events to release and showcase 2014 Annual Art Print.
July 22, 2013
Summer Rail Safety Campaign complemented by Governor's proclamation of July 21-27 as Alaska Rail Safety Awareness Week - Update with Photos.
July 19, 2013
Summer Rail Safety Campaign complemented by Governor's proclamation of July 21-27 as Alaska Rail Safety Awareness Week
July 11, 2013
Railroad celebrates 90th Anniversary of construction completion - July 15, 1923, when President Harding drove the golden spike in Nenanan.
June 17, 2013
Summer Rail Safety Campaign complemented by Governor's proclamation of July 21-27 as Alaska Rail Safety Awareness Week - Update with Photos.
May 23, 2013
Operation Lifesaver Alaska and Alaska Railroad promote rail safety awareness with children's art contest.
May 17, 2013
Children invited to share art that promotes rail safety
May 10, 2013
Operation Lifesaver Alaska and Alaska Railroad kick-off Summer Rail Safety Campaign.
April 24, 2013
"Railroad Days" Open House in Fairbanks slated for Saturday, May 11.
April 23, 2013
Railroad honors 20-year veteran Tour Guide program teacher; welcomes dozen 2013 summer tour guides.
March 7, 2013
Railroad announces 54 position eliminations as part of a cost-cutting effort, including company reorganization.
February 23, 2013
Railroad's Engineering leadership to change in May, when Chief Engineer Tom Brooks retires.
December 12, 2012
165-foot long girders to be trucked along Richardson Highway, Valdez to Salcha, for Tanana River bridge project.
December 12, 2012
Federal Railroad Administration issues Finding of No Significant Impact for North Pole rail realignment project Environmental Assessment.
November 27, 2012
Railroad reduces emissions, saves fuel costs via locomotive idle reduction program, which also helps Fairbanks air quality efforts.
November 7, 2012
Alaska Railroad schedules additional Holiday Train events for 2012.
November 1, 2012
Alaska Railroad solicits Alaskan artists interested in creating art for 2014 Railroad art print.
October 25, 2012
Alaska Railroad schedules 2013 print/poster sale-and-sign events in Seward, Anchorage and Fairbanks.
September 24, 2012
Alaska Railroad impacted by severe weather; freight and passenger trains cancelled between Wasilla and Fairbanks_UPDATE
September 23, 2012
Alaska Railroad impacted by severe weather; freight and passenger trains cancelled between Wasilla and Fairbanks_UPDATE.
September 22, 2012
Alaska Railroad impacted by severe weather; freight and passenger trains cancelled between Wasilla and Fairbanks_UPDATE.
September 21, 2012
Alaska Railroad impacted by severe weather; freight and passenger trains cancelled between Wasilla and Fairbanks.
September 5, 2012
Alaska Railroad Announces In-River Construction on Phase One (Tanana River Crossing)
August 27, 2012
Alaska Railroad presents inaugural Mears Award to team responsible for Historic Freight Shed renovation.
August 23, 2012
U.S. Forest Service - Alaska Railroad joint press advisory on a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the Forest Service move into new offices in the Historic Freight Shed.
August 14, 2012
Engine 557 is moved to old Kenai Supply Building in Wasilla, which will serve as facility for restoration project.
June 29, 2012
Rasmuson Foundation provides $350,000 matching grant for Steam Engine 557 restoration project.
June 28, 2012
Alaska Railroad retains majority of FTA federal funding.
April 20, 2012
Alaska Railroad Open House in Fairbanks Saturday, May 12, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Note the time was changed to avoid a conflict with the community's Military Parade
April 20, 2012
Alaska Railroad Open House in Anchorage Saturday, May 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
April 1, 2012
Alaska Railroad releases 2011 Annual Report and Financial Statements.
March 20, 2012
Railroad announces comment period and April 5 public meeting to discuss North Pole Road/Rail Crossing Reduction project Environmental Assessment.
March 19, 2012
Railroad holds Northern Rail Extention Phase One pre-construction season open house March 21.
February 7, 2012
Project Open House in Seward scheduled for February 17.
January 23, 2012
Project Open House in Fairbanks scheduled for January 31.
January 11, 2012
Project Open House in Wasilla scheduled for January 18.
January 10, 2012
|Project Open House in Anchorage scheduled for January 17.
January 3, 2012
Railroad hires new Vice President of Business Development Dale Wade.
Press / Media Information Sources
Alaska Railroad Corporate Press Kit - updated annually, the document provides an overview of the Alaska Railroad operations, business lines, historic and economic significance. It also provides contact information and links to additional information to enhance media stories about Alaska Railroad topics.
Information resources supporting the Press Kit:
Alaska Railroad Timeline: History Highlights
- Historic Timeline - this companion document lists highlights and key milestones, from conception and construction, to early operations and today's business lines. Updated May 2023.
Business Fact Sheets:
Meghan Clemens
External Affairs Director
Phone: 907-265-2357
Email: ClemensM@akrr.com
