> The Alaska Highway. Starting in 1942, 1,700 miles of highway were built over the course of 234 days, connecting eastern British Columbia with Fairbanks, Alaska.

I grew up in Dawson Creek. Our claim to fame: "Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway starts here!"

The Alaska Highway as built in 1942 is nothing like a highway that most people would envision. It wasn't paved, for example. It was good enough for military vehicles with crews of soldiers who could make ad hoc repairs to the road as needed while they transited through, who had extensive survival skills, and could literally radio for assistance if needed.

It wasn't opened to the public until 1948 -- so perhaps 6 years, not 6 months, is a better estimate of its time.

It's also shrunk by almost 20% as it has been continually rebuilt to make it passable by passenger vehicles.

It's an accomplishment, no doubt, but I feel like omitting these significant caveats is meaningful.