Hovercrafts carry trucks and supplies across the Yukon River

A half-century ago Alaska was abuzz with pipeline activity. The Yukon River bridge was being constructed, and a seemingly endless line of big trucks carrying even bigger loads was constantly making its way along the Elliott Highway and the newly constructed Dalton Highway carrying supplies for the camps and construction sites along the Northern part of the project. One major obstacle in this route was the Yukon River. Supplies were needed before the bridge was completed, so an amazing ferry system using air cushion transporters was implemented until the bridge was finished in the fall of 1975.

Pioneer All-Alaska Weekly March 14, 1975

TWO JUMBO

HOVERCRAFTS BEING BUILT FOR YUKON

Two jumbo hovercraft transporters — each with a 160-ton payload and capable of hauling three double-joint rigs