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The principal initial objective for the construction of the Dalton Highway was to facilitate the development of oil fields located in Prudhoe Bay.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary initial purpose for the Dalton Highway's construction was to serve as a vital supply route for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, rather than directly supporting oil field development itself.
Governor Walter J. Hickel initiated a winter road project in 1966 aimed at enhancing access to the North Slope's oil resources.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1966, Governor Walter J. Hickel proposed a winter road project to improve access to the North Slope's oil resources, which was an early precursor to the current highway.
The initial 'Hickel Highway' project was discontinued due to successful engineering solutions and the presence of stable permafrost conditions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial 'Hickel Highway' project was abandoned not due to successful engineering, but rather due to poor engineering practices that led to permafrost thawing and road destabilization.
The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company provided the funding for the construction of the initial segment of the Dalton Highway.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the failure of the earlier 'Hickel Highway,' the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company funded the construction of the first segment of the current Dalton Highway.
The construction of the current Dalton Highway commenced in 1974 and was initially designated as the 'North Slope Highway'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The construction of the current Dalton Highway began in 1974, but it was initially named the 'Wales Highway', not the 'North Slope Highway'.
The State of Alaska assumed control of the highway in 1979, subsequently renaming it the James W. Dalton Highway.
Answer: True
Explanation: Control of the highway was transferred to the state of Alaska in 1979, at which point it was officially named the James W. Dalton Highway.
Public access to the entire length of the Dalton Highway was granted in 1981.
Answer: False
Explanation: Public access was initially granted only to Disaster Creek in 1981. The entire length of the highway was opened to the public in 1994.
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company retained ownership of the Dalton Highway after its completion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company transferred ownership of the highway to the state of Alaska in 1979, following its construction.
The Dalton Highway is also recognized by the historical name 'North Slope Haul Road'.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'North Slope Haul Road' is an older, alternative designation by which the Dalton Highway is sometimes still known, reflecting its historical function.
What was the primary reason for the initial construction of the Dalton Highway?
Answer: To provide a supply route for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.
Explanation: The original and primary purpose for constructing the Dalton Highway was to serve as a critical supply route during the construction phase of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.
What historical event prompted the initial planning of a road to the North Slope in 1966?
Answer: Governor Hickel opening the North Slope to oil extraction.
Explanation: The decision by Governor Walter J. Hickel to open the North Slope to oil extraction in 1966 was the catalyst for the initial planning of a road to improve access to these resources.
Why was the initial 'Walter J. Hickel Highway' project abandoned?
Answer: Poor engineering led to permafrost thawing and road destabilization.
Explanation: The initial 'Hickel Highway' project failed due to inadequate engineering, which resulted in the thawing of permafrost and subsequent destabilization of the road.
Which organization funded the construction of the first segment of the current Dalton Highway?
Answer: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Explanation: The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company provided the funding for the initial construction of the first segment of the Dalton Highway.
What was the initial name given to the current Dalton Highway during its construction phase starting in 1974?
Answer: Wales Highway
Explanation: When construction of the current Dalton Highway commenced in 1974, it was initially designated as the 'Wales Highway'.
When did the state of Alaska officially take over control of the highway?
Answer: 1979
Explanation: The state of Alaska officially assumed control of the highway from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in the year 1979.
In what year was the entire length of the Dalton Highway opened to public access?
Answer: 1994
Explanation: The entire length of the Dalton Highway was made accessible to the public in 1994, following earlier phased openings.
What happened to the control of the Dalton Highway after Alyeska Pipeline Service Company completed its construction?
Answer: It was transferred to the state of Alaska.
Explanation: Following the completion of its construction phase, control of the Dalton Highway was transferred from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company to the state of Alaska in 1979.
What does the term 'North Slope Haul Road' refer to?
Answer: An older, unofficial name for the Dalton Highway.
Explanation: 'North Slope Haul Road' is an older designation sometimes used to refer to the Dalton Highway, reflecting its historical role in supporting activities on Alaska's North Slope.
The James W. Dalton Highway holds the official designation of Alaska Route 11 and extends for a total length of 414 miles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official designation for the James W. Dalton Highway is Alaska Route 11, and its total length is 414 miles.
The Dalton Highway commences north of Fairbanks and terminates in Prudhoe Bay.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dalton Highway originates at the Elliott Highway, north of Fairbanks, and its northern terminus is Deadhorse, located near the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields, not Prudhoe Bay itself as the terminus.
The Dalton Highway traverses a route that runs parallel to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System for a substantial portion of its journey.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant characteristic of the Dalton Highway's route is its close proximity and parallel alignment with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System for much of its length.
Atigun Pass, the highest point on the Dalton Highway, is situated within the Brooks Range.
Answer: True
Explanation: Atigun Pass, which represents the highest elevation on the Dalton Highway, is located in the Brooks Range mountain system.
Deadhorse, situated at the highway's terminus, represents the northernmost point of the western hemisphere's established road network.
Answer: True
Explanation: The designation of Deadhorse as the northernmost point of the western hemisphere's road network signifies that it is the furthest location reachable by a continuous road system in that hemisphere.
Atigun Pass functions as a major watershed divide, separating river systems that flow into the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Answer: False
Explanation: Atigun Pass serves as a watershed divide, but it separates rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean from those flowing towards the Pacific Ocean (via the Bering Sea), not directly into the Atlantic.
Prospect Creek holds historical significance as the location where the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States occurred.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prospect Creek, accessible from the Dalton Highway, is historically noted as the site of the lowest temperature ever recorded within the United States.
The Arctic Circle Wayside Rest Area is marked by interpretive displays and signifies the location of the Arctic Circle.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Arctic Circle Wayside Rest Area provides travelers with a point of interest, featuring interpretive displays that mark the approximate location of the Arctic Circle.
The Dempster Highway is the sole other all-purpose road in North America that extends beyond the Arctic Circle.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dempster Highway, located in Canada, shares the distinction with the Dalton Highway of being one of the only two all-purpose roads in North America that extend beyond the Arctic Circle.
Sukakpak Mountain is identified as a prominent landmark situated near milepost 203 on the Dalton Highway.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sukakpak Mountain is noted as a significant landmark located at milepost 203 along the route of the Dalton Highway.
The Dalton Highway primarily traverses the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dalton Highway passes through the Unorganized Borough and the North Slope Borough, not the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
What is the official name and designation of the Dalton Highway?
Answer: James W. Dalton Highway (Alaska Route 11)
Explanation: The highway is officially known as the James W. Dalton Highway and is designated as Alaska Route 11.
Where does the Dalton Highway terminate?
Answer: Deadhorse, Alaska
Explanation: The Dalton Highway concludes its route at Deadhorse, Alaska, an unincorporated community located near the Arctic Ocean.
For how much of its length does the Dalton Highway run parallel to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System?
Answer: Much of its length
Explanation: The Dalton Highway runs parallel to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System for a significant portion of its total route.
At what elevation does Atigun Pass, the highest point on the Dalton Highway, stand?
Answer: 4,739 feet (1,444 meters)
Explanation: Atigun Pass, the highest point on the Dalton Highway, reaches an elevation of 4,739 feet (1,444 meters) above sea level.
The designation of Deadhorse as the 'northernmost point of the western hemisphere's road network' signifies:
Answer: It is the furthest north one can travel by a continuous road system in the western hemisphere.
Explanation: This designation indicates that Deadhorse represents the northernmost extent reachable by a continuous road system within the western hemisphere.
What geographical feature does Atigun Pass represent besides being the highest point on the highway?
Answer: A major watershed divide flowing into the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.
Explanation: Atigun Pass functions as a significant watershed divide, separating river systems that ultimately flow into the Arctic Ocean from those that drain towards the Pacific Ocean.
What is the historical significance of Prospect Creek along the Dalton Highway?
Answer: It marks the location of the lowest temperature ever recorded in the USA.
Explanation: Prospect Creek is historically significant as the location where the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States was documented.
What information or feature does the Arctic Circle Wayside Rest Area provide?
Answer: A viewing deck and interpretive displays about the Arctic Circle.
Explanation: The Arctic Circle Wayside Rest Area offers travelers a viewing deck and interpretive displays that denote the approximate location of the Arctic Circle.
How is the Dempster Highway related to the Dalton Highway in terms of location?
Answer: It is the only other all-purpose road in North America extending beyond the Arctic Circle.
Explanation: The Dempster Highway, located in Canada, shares the distinction with the Dalton Highway of being one of the only two all-purpose roads in North America that extend beyond the Arctic Circle.
What does the image caption indicate about Sukakpak Mountain?
Answer: It is a landmark located at milepost 203 on the Dalton Highway.
Explanation: The caption associated with Sukakpak Mountain identifies it as a notable landmark situated at milepost 203 along the Dalton Highway.
Which two boroughs does the Dalton Highway traverse?
Answer: Unorganized Borough and North Slope Borough
Explanation: The Dalton Highway passes through Alaska's Unorganized Borough and the North Slope Borough.
The entirety of the Dalton Highway is paved, ensuring a consistently smooth driving experience along its full extent.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the Dalton Highway is predominantly a gravel road; only approximately one-quarter of its total length is paved.
The Dalton Highway features sections with a maximum grade of 12%.
Answer: True
Explanation: Certain sections of the Dalton Highway present steep gradients, with some grades reaching up to 12%.
As of July 2013, over 200 miles of the Dalton Highway were paved.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of July 2013, approximately 129 miles (208 km) of the Dalton Highway were paved in various sections, not over 200 miles.
The Dalton Highway is immune to disruptions caused by natural phenomena such as river flooding.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dalton Highway is susceptible to significant disruptions and closures due to natural events, most notably flooding of the Sagavanirktok River.
In 2018, a section of the Dalton Highway was relocated to circumvent a slow-moving debris flow designated as 'the blob'.
Answer: True
Explanation: A section of the Dalton Highway was indeed relocated in 2018 to avoid a persistent debris flow, colloquially known as 'the blob', which threatened to engulf the roadway.
The Dalton Highway is generally considered unsuitable for motorcycles due to its smooth, paved surface.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dalton Highway is largely gravel and primitive, making it challenging for smaller vehicles and motorcycles, not unsuitable due to a smooth paved surface.
What proportion of the Dalton Highway is typically gravel?
Answer: Approximately three-quarters
Explanation: Approximately three-quarters of the Dalton Highway's total length consists of gravel, with the remaining portion being paved.
What significant risk does the Dalton Highway pose specifically to smaller vehicles and motorcycles?
Answer: The road surface being largely gravel and primitive.
Explanation: The predominantly gravel and primitive nature of the Dalton Highway's surface presents a significant risk and challenge for smaller vehicles and motorcycles.
What is the maximum grade percentage encountered on the Dalton Highway?
Answer: 12%
Explanation: The Dalton Highway includes sections with steep gradients, reaching a maximum grade of 12%.
What natural phenomenon, exacerbated by climate change, can cause significant disruptions and closures on the Dalton Highway?
Answer: Flooding of the Sagavanirktok River due to melting ice roads.
Explanation: Flooding of the Sagavanirktok River, often intensified by the melting of nearby ice roads under warmer climatic conditions, is a significant natural event that can cause major disruptions and closures on the Dalton Highway.
What action was taken in 2018 to address the threat of 'the blob' to the Dalton Highway?
Answer: A section of the highway was relocated.
Explanation: In 2018, a segment of the Dalton Highway was relocated to mitigate the threat posed by 'the blob,' a slow-moving debris flow that was encroaching upon the roadway.
What is the general condition of the Dalton Highway's surface and its implication?
Answer: Mostly gravel and primitive, posing challenges for smaller vehicles.
Explanation: The Dalton Highway's surface is predominantly gravel and can be primitive in sections, presenting significant challenges for smaller vehicles and motorcycles.
Coldfoot and Wiseman are identified as the sole permanent settlements situated directly along the Dalton Highway.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coldfoot and Wiseman are indeed the only two permanent settlements located directly on the Dalton Highway. Deadhorse, while a significant community, is an unincorporated community near the terminus.
Fuel services are accessible at the Yukon River Bridge, Coldfoot, and the highway's northern terminus.
Answer: True
Explanation: Travelers can find fuel at the E. L. Patton Yukon River Bridge, Coldfoot, and Deadhorse, which serves as the highway's northern terminus.
Prospect Creek and Galbraith Lake are recognized as permanent settlements found along the Dalton Highway.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prospect Creek and Galbraith Lake are not permanent settlements; they are locations along the highway, with Prospect Creek noted for historical temperature records and Galbraith Lake being an area for visitors.
Polar bears are occasionally observed in the vicinity of Deadhorse, the highway's northern terminus.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Arctic region near Deadhorse, the northern terminus of the Dalton Highway, is habitat for polar bears, and they have been observed in the area.
Which of the following is NOT a permanent settlement along the Dalton Highway?
Answer: Galbraith Lake
Explanation: Coldfoot and Wiseman are permanent settlements. Deadhorse is an unincorporated community near the terminus. Galbraith Lake is a location along the highway, not a permanent settlement.
Where can travelers find fuel services along the Dalton Highway?
Answer: At the Yukon River Bridge, Coldfoot, and Deadhorse.
Explanation: Fuel services are available at key points along the Dalton Highway, specifically at the Yukon River Bridge, Coldfoot, and the northern terminus at Deadhorse.
Travelers on the Dalton Highway are advised against carrying survival gear due to the readily available emergency services.
Answer: False
Explanation: Given the highway's isolation and limited services, travelers are strongly advised to carry survival gear, as emergency services are not readily available.
The daily truck traffic on the Dalton Highway averages approximately 160 trucks during the summer season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Dalton Highway experiences substantial truck traffic, with an average of approximately 160 trucks per day during the summer months.
Drivers on the Dalton Highway are recommended to keep their headlights off to conserve energy.
Answer: False
Explanation: All vehicles are advised to keep their headlights on at all times when driving on the Dalton Highway for safety and visibility.
Truckers have informally named certain features along the highway, such as 'The Shelf' and 'Oh Shit Corner'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The challenging nature of the Dalton Highway has led truckers to assign informal, often descriptive, names to various features, including 'The Shelf' and 'Oh Shit Corner'.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is directly responsible for the maintenance and repair of the Dalton Highway's surface.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) primarily provides information and resources related to the Dalton Highway, rather than direct road maintenance.
The Dalton Highway's portrayal in media, such as 'Ice Road Truckers,' underscores its reputation for extreme conditions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Inclusion in television programs like 'Ice Road Truckers' has significantly amplified the Dalton Highway's public image as a route characterized by extreme conditions and considerable challenges.
The provided KML file link offers route information compatible with mapping software.
Answer: True
Explanation: The KML file link associated with the Dalton Highway provides geographic data in Keyhole Markup Language format, usable with mapping software for route visualization and planning.
What is the approximate daily volume of truck traffic observed on the Dalton Highway during the winter season?
Answer: Around 250 trucks
Explanation: During the winter months, the Dalton Highway typically accommodates an average of approximately 250 trucks per day.
What essential driving precaution is recommended for all vehicles traversing the Dalton Highway?
Answer: Keep headlights on at all times.
Explanation: All vehicles are advised to exercise caution and maintain their headlights in the 'on' position throughout their journey on the Dalton Highway.
Which of the following is NOT listed as an informal name used by truckers for features on the Dalton Highway?
Answer: The Alcan Gateway
Explanation: While 'The Shelf', 'Gobbler's Knob', and 'The Ice Cut' are among the informal names truckers use, 'The Alcan Gateway' is not listed as one of these designations for features on the Dalton Highway.
What role does the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) play concerning the Dalton Highway?
Answer: Providing information and resources for visitors.
Explanation: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is involved with the Dalton Highway primarily by providing information and resources for visitors, rather than direct road maintenance.
Why is the Dalton Highway's inclusion in shows like 'Ice Road Truckers' significant?
Answer: It highlights the highway's reputation for extreme conditions and challenges.
Explanation: The visibility gained from media features like 'Ice Road Truckers' has significantly contributed to the Dalton Highway's reputation as a route known for its extreme conditions and demanding operational challenges.
What is the purpose of the 'KML file' link provided for the Dalton Highway?
Answer: To provide a downloadable map file for use in mapping software.
Explanation: The 'KML file' link offers route data in Keyhole Markup Language format, enabling users to import the highway's path into mapping software for navigation and planning purposes.
James W. Dalton's professional contributions included supervising the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line and providing consultation on Arctic engineering initiatives.
Answer: True
Explanation: James W. Dalton, an engineer and lifelong Alaskan, was recognized for his significant role in supervising the construction of the DEW Line and his advisory work on Arctic engineering projects.
Who was James W. Dalton, the namesake of the highway?
Answer: An engineer involved in Arctic engineering and the DEW Line.
Explanation: James W. Dalton was an engineer recognized for his work supervising the construction of the DEW Line and consulting on Arctic engineering projects.