The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road will officially open at 8 a.m. on February 1st. The road is viewed as arguably the world’s longest heavy haul ice road.
Director of Winter Road Operations Ron Near said they expect another busy year with 8,500 loads and an approved 300,000 metric tons of freight being moved between February 1st and March 31st.
“The Ingraham Trail and the winter road itself will be busy with commercial traffic. Users of these roads should be cautious and be aware of the additional traffic.”
He added that there have been some minor changes to portions of the winter road that will improve safety this year.
“We will be conducting some trial loads on the 30th and 31st January to test our operations. We are also testing our new high volume flood pumps that will greatly assist our construction team on both construction and maintenance of the project.”
Near also noted that one additional Security Officer has been added to the Ingraham Trail team and one additional safety officer in Lac de Gras camp.
The winter road was a recipient of a Special Achievement award at the Mining and Exploration awards last fall for its importance as a supply route for the three operating diamond mines in the Northwest Territories.
The public is discouraged from using this industrial ice road, but Near implores that if you must, do so at your own risk and be aware that there are no services available and to drive safely.
