Alaska to Preserve Part of Black Veterans Memorial Bridge

The state will replace the aging bridge but keep two trestles as a tribute to the Black soldiers who built the original Alaska Highway.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The state of Alaska plans to replace the 1,885-foot Black Veterans Memorial Bridge near Delta Junction, but will preserve two of the bridge's nine trestles as a memorial to the thousands of Black soldiers who helped build the original Alaska Highway during World War II. The state is offering the remaining seven trestles for free to states, local governments, or private entities who will maintain them for historical purposes and public use.

Why it matters

The Black soldiers who worked on the Alaska Highway faced harsh conditions and discrimination, but their efforts helped bring about the integration of the U.S. Army. Preserving part of the bridge named in their honor recognizes their important contribution to the state's history.

The details

The new Gerstle River Bridge will be built parallel to the existing bridge, leaving about 50 feet of space between the old and new structures. The two preserved trestles from the original Black Veterans Memorial Bridge will retain that name, while the rest of the new bridge will carry the memorial name unofficially unless the state legislature makes it official. The state is accepting proposals until March 6 for the remaining seven trestles, which can be taken individually or in groups, but winners must maintain the historical features and not allow vehicular traffic.

  • The original Black Veterans Memorial Bridge was built in 1942 by Black soldiers working on the Alaska Highway.
  • The steel structure of the bridge was completed in 1944.
  • The bridge was officially named the Black Veterans Memorial Bridge in 1993.
  • The new Gerstle River Bridge is scheduled to open in 2031, replacing the aging original bridge.

The players

Black Soldiers

Thousands of Black soldiers performed the backbreaking work of transforming the wilderness to help build the first road link between Alaska and the Lower 48 during World War II, despite facing harsh conditions and discrimination.

Mary Leith

A former mayor of Delta Junction and member of the local historical society, who wants the state to properly preserve the memorial with signage and a highway pullout area.

Angelica Stabs

A spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Transportation, who said the two preserved trestle sections will be blocked off to prevent climbing or vandalism, and no pullout area is planned.

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What’s next

The state of Alaska is accepting proposals until March 6 for the seven trestles that will not be preserved as part of the memorial, and will consider all proposals even for individual trestles to be used for historical purposes and public access.

The takeaway

By preserving part of the Black Veterans Memorial Bridge, Alaska is honoring the crucial role that thousands of Black soldiers played in building the state's first road connection to the Lower 48, despite the harsh conditions and discrimination they faced. This recognition helps highlight an important chapter in Alaska's history and the military's integration.