Alaska Pipeline: Thompson Pass
Clip: Season 18 | 2m 53s
One of the biggest challenges in the Alaska Pipeline's construction was Thompson Pass.
One of the biggest challenges during the construction of the Alaska Pipeline was when workers reached Thompson Pass. There, welders and laborers had to scale a near-vertical 2800-foot mountain wall to install pipe. The solution was to develop a tower and cable system that would fly the 80-foot pipe sections into place. On December 6, 1976, the last piece of pipe was laid at Thompson Pass.
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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Alaska Pipeline: Thompson Pass
Clip: Season 18 | 2m 53s
One of the biggest challenges during the construction of the Alaska Pipeline was when workers reached Thompson Pass. There, welders and laborers had to scale a near-vertical 2800-foot mountain wall to install pipe. The solution was to develop a tower and cable system that would fly the 80-foot pipe sections into place. On December 6, 1976, the last piece of pipe was laid at Thompson Pass.
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The Scale and Cost of the Alaska Pipeline
The one thing that was not in short supply was workers hoping to cash in on the project. (1m 57s)
After oil was struck in Alaska's Prudhoe Bay, companies agreed to build a pipeline. (1m 12s)
Alyeska suffered its first scandal when a subcontractor falsified weld x-rays. (1m 23s)
Construction Begins on the Alaska Pipeline
Construction of the Alaska Pipeline began on March 27, 1975. (40s)
Building a Supply Road for the Pipeline
On April 29, 1974, construction began on a haul road for transporting pipeline materials. (1m 9s)
Now PlayingAlaska Pipeline: Thompson Pass
One of the biggest challenges in the Alaska Pipeline's construction was Thompson Pass. (2m 53s)
The Alaska Pipeline's Permafrost Challenge
The Alaska Pipeline could not be buried under the Arctic tundra. (37s)
The last piece of the pipeline was laid at Atigun Pass, the highest point on the line. (1m 19s)
Annie Oakley won fame and fortune as the little lady from Ohio who never missed a shot. (30s)
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The first chapter of American Experience's "Annie Oakley," broadcasting January 31. (9m 47s)
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Support for PBS provided by:
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.