Seward Highway

The Seward Highway links Seward and Anchorage, about 125 miles (201.7 km) of road along Turnagain Arm and over Turnagain Pass. Completed on 19 October 1951, it is an All-American Road and carries heavy summer traffic.[1]

Construction

An 18-mile stretch from Seward to Kenai Lake was completed in 1923, the Moose Pass–Hope segment in 1937, and the Mile 18 bridge, known as The Missing Link, in 1946. The road was completed on 19 October 1951, connecting Seward to Anchorage by road for the first time, and paved in 1952.[1]

Designations

It was made a National Forest Scenic Byway on 8 September 1989, a State Scenic Byway on 29 January 1993 and an All-American Road on 15 June 2000.[1]

Hazards

The 1964 earthquake sank about 20 miles of highway below the high-water mark of Turnagain Arm, and the road and bridges were raised and rebuilt in 1964–66. The crash-prone stretch from milepost 75 to 90 carries up to 15,000 vehicles daily in summer, and a four-year rehabilitation project began in 2018. A 2016 pilot on a five-mile section set a 55 mph limit in the right lane and 65 mph in the left to encourage proper passing.[1]

FAQs

How long is the Seward Highway? About 125 miles.

When was it completed? 19 October 1951.

Is it a scenic byway? Yes, an All-American Road since 2000.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Seward Highway

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue