Alaska's Denali Park opens new bridge after devastating 2021 landslide

The completion of the bridge marks a major milestone in restoring full connectivity to Denali National Park, one of Alaska's most visited natural attractions. The 2021 landslide had effectively cut the park in two, isolating the eastern sections and disrupting visitor access to the region's most pristine wilderness areas.

The engineering solution involved constructing a 475-foot steel truss bridge capable of withstanding the constant ground movement that characterizes the slide zone. The project required innovative design approaches to ensure structural integrity over the unstable terrain, with engineers having to account for ongoing geological shifts beneath the foundation.

The bridge is now open to hikers and cyclists, allowing foot traffic to cross between the park's eastern and western sections. However, the full restoration of bus service—the primary mode of transportation for most park visitors—is expected to resume in 2027, pending final safety certifications and operational preparations.

The $230 million investment represents a long-term commitment to maintaining access to Denali's remote areas and preserving the visitor experience that has made the park a cornerstone of Alaska's tourism industry. The project underscores the increasing engineering challenges posed by climate change and environmental shifts in vulnerable northern ecosystems.