Little Chena Prong

The Alaska Pipeline runs for 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay in the north to Valdez in the south. It crosses 3 mountain ranges and more than 500 rivers and swamps. The pipeline is 48 inches in diameter but it is surrounded with heavy insulation making it look much bigger than it actually is. Construction began in 1975 and was completed in 1977 at a cost of US$8 billion. Companies using the pipeline are required to pay for the privilege and the monies are divided among all permanent Alaskan residents annually.

There are 12 pumping stations along its length. Pigs (scraping machines) are sent in at each pumping station to keep the pipeline free from congestion. Oil coming out of the ground is at 120 degrees but it quickly cools off. Where there is permafrost, the pipeline is above ground. Throughout its length, there are measures to prevent its rupture caused by earthquakes and seismic shifts.Read more