Whittier, Alaska: A Town Where Residents Rush Home by 11 PM

Whittier, Alaska, is a remote town with a population of 265 residents, requiring locals to return home before midnight to avoid being locked out. Access to the town is limited to a one-way tunnel that runs beneath a glacier, which closes at 11 PM in summer and 10:30 PM in winter. The tunnel, the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America, spans 2.5 miles and takes about six minutes to traverse at a speed of 25 miles per hour. The tunnel operates on a strict schedule, with 15-minute time slots for vehicles starting at 5:30 AM in summer and 7 AM in winter. Oversized vehicles have even more restricted access, allowed only from Monday to Thursday. The tunnel's operation is further complicated by the need for cars and trains to take turns, with train delays causing additional waiting times for vehicles. Only 20% of the time slots are utilized by the railroad, allowing for some flexibility during peak traffic. The toll for using the tunnel is $13, and vehicles are organized in a specific order for passage. The town's unique geography and limited access have shaped its community, with most residents living in a single complex that was originally built as military barracks during World War II. This facility was converted into residential space in 1974, reflecting the town's historical significance. Whittier's deep-water port remains ice-free year-round, making it a crucial freight interchange point for barge services connecting Alaska to the continental United States and Canada. The town's isolation and reliance on the tunnel highlight the challenges faced by its residents in maintaining their daily lives.