Winter roads across the NWT are being affected by spring-like temperatures causing rapid snow and ice melt.
The Mackenzie Valley winter road closed to all traffic Wednesday morning. The Department of Infrastructure say they are working on a plan to help residents of the Sahtu who will be unable to return to their communities because of the road closure.
The #MackenzieValleyWinterRoad is now closed to all traffic. A plan is being developed to assist residents of the #Sahtu unable to return to their communities
— GNWT/GTNO Infrastructure (@GNWT_INF) March 20, 2019
The Sambaa K’e winter road has also closed for the season.
The #SambaaKe winter road is now closed to all traffic for the season. #NWT
— GNWT/GTNO Infrastructure (@GNWT_INF) March 21, 2019
Travel on Tlicho winter roads is still open, only for travel between the hours of 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. The Tlicho government is warning travellers to use extra caution and watch for equipment working on the winter roads this week. “Higher temperatures will likely cause slippery conditions on lakes and portages.”
Residents in Wekweeti have been waiting for their winter road to open. The Department of Infrastructure says the road opened Wednesday night, for night travel only.
The #Wekweètı winter road will open tonight, March 20th at 10:00 PM to vehicles weighing up to 10,000 kgs. Please watch for rough areas on the overland portages. NIGHT TRAVEL ONLY from 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM.
— GNWT/GTNO Infrastructure (@GNWT_INF) March 20, 2019
The infrastructure department is deterring anyone from driving on closed winter roads, reminding drivers of a hefty fine if they disobey the rules. “It is unsafe and illegal to drive on a closed winter road. The fine for operating on a closed seasonal road is $863.”
Up-to-date road conditions are available here.
