Alaska highway multi-use trail improvements
Happy Cities is working with Momentum Transport and the Yukon Government to develop a new trail plan to provide safer routes along the Alaska Highway for all ages and abilities.
Cyclists riding along the Alaska Highway Trail. (Happy Cities)
What’s happening
The Government of Yukon is working to expand the trail along the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse to provide better options to get around—whether by foot, bike, wheelchair, or snowmobile. It will better connect Whitehorse residents with the existing trail network and improve options to cross the highway. Learn more about what’s happening and opportunities to share your input.
The trail plan will explore new trail connections along 30 kilometres of the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse (from Carcross Cutoff to North Klondike Intersection).
Whitehorse corridor study area and key landmarks. (Momentum Transport Consultancy)
Benefits of the expanded trail
The project will develop a well-connected trail network, to accommodate and promote popular modes of active transportation such as walking, biking, and skiing. As part of this work, we will also consider space for off-highway recreation vehicles, such as snowmobiles and ATVs.
Accommodating a variety of active needs along the trail. (Happy Cities)
A key goal is to provide more comfortable and direct routes for people accessing the existing trail networks.
The new trail plan will:
Design safe and comfortable trails for all ages and abilities (for example, buffered from the highway where possible)
Improve connectivity between neighbourhoods
Identify locations for safe highway crossings (such as overpasses and underpasses)
Ensure seamless integration with existing trails
Consider integration with the City of Whitehorse’s future trail network expansion as well as urban development
Outline strategies and costs for the trail’s implementation
Promote active transportation to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, boost regional tourism, and support public health through physical activity
Accommodate active transportation users (such as pedestrians, cyclists, and skiers) and off highway recreation vehicles (such as snowmobiles and ATV’s), and ensure safe interactions between all trail users
Ensure long-term durability and all-season maintenance of trails.
