The U.S. Army began to construct a road in 1942 to link the United States to the Alaska Territory. Army troops started the job, which was finished by civilians. Canada supplied materials and right-of-way in exchange for use after World War II.
The road (originally called the Alcan Highway) originates in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, runs through the Yukon Territory wilderness, and ends at Delta Junction. The Alaska Highway is 1,523 miles long and passes through Fairbanks at Mile 1488.
It is open year round. Headlights should be on in daytime. The road is paved with asphalt, but there are frost heaves and loose gravel. Gas, food and lodging are available every 20 to 50 miles. Numerous campgrounds and trails line the route.
