If the railroad in Alaska had been built according to the rules that most roadbuilders follow (especially when burning through government funds, to selected winning bids) then we'd see dozens of railroads... 

The subsidy of duplication and maintenance for regular highways, sees more waste due to the fact most people do not use trains.

And perhaps they should. 

Especially along Turnagain Arm where individual judgement is clouded by racecar driver (stoplight-to-stoplight) is apparent. If you try to drive conditions, or under a posted limit, you are a moving roadblock. Some places do need more funding to be safer. 

Railroads can move tons for a few cents a mile. +So many texters could sit & not drive.

Since people can't bear to walk from their residence to a central transportation location, they have to be indoors (tin box, to wood box, to concrete box) & live a sheltered existence; it is easy to judge how the railroad corridors need repair.

Hike parallel to AK highways, if you can.