The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is tentatively scheduled to open for light vehicles on Dec. 15.
This year, the route of the winter road will be different, as the municipality has made permanent changes to improve reliability and safety.
The new route connects to the all-season road near the Fort Chipewyan Airport and is around 22 kilometres longer to avoid the Doghead Rivière des Rochers ice crossing, which has been problematic in the past.
Last year, the municipality had hired contractors to speed up the ice building process at the ice crossing.
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The change also means that heavy traffic and dangerous goods will not pass through the centre of the community, instead coming in to the north near the airport.
Director of Public Works with the RMWB, Keith Smith said the adjustments made this season will help open the winter road on schedule and reach the 45,000 kilogram load limit quickly.
“We know the Fort Chipewyan community relies on the winter road to connect with southern communities and bring essential supplies into the hamlet and surrounding area,”
Opening of the winter road depends on the region’s weather and crews establishing a safe ice integrity for vehicles.
You can sign up for email updates on the progress of winter roads in our region but visiting the municipality’s website.
You can also call the Winter Road Hotline at 866-743-6111 or check RMWB social media accounts.
