Tanana River Bridge Construction Limits Boat Traffic

Construction of a new $180 million Tanana River bridge at Salcha is limiting traffic on the river.

The Alaska Railroad says boats will not be allowed under the bridge until next year.

The decision affects hunters trying to reach moose-hunting camps.

Project director Mark Peterburs tells the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner that the railroad is building a temporary trestle across the river that will be used to construct the permanent bridge.

He says it's unsafe for boats to cross under the temporary bridge because it's only three to four feet above the water.

He says railroad officials are checking possible alternative routes around the bridge.

The bridge is being built to give the Army access to training land south of the river and should be completed next year.