Winter Roads

Prepare Your Vehicle

• Emergency Car Kit: Essential items include non-perishable food, water, blankets, extra winter clothing, first aid kit, road flares, vehicle repair tools, shovel, scraper, snow brush, fire starter, flashlight, whistle, toilet paper, and communication devices.

• Winter Tires: Ensure your vehicle has winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.

• Windshield Maintenance: Keep your windshield fluid topped up with a formula rated for -40°C temperatures, and ensure your wipers are in good condition.

Driving Safely on Winter Roads

• Stay Updated: Regularly check the Winter Road Hotline (1-866-743-6111) or the Winter Roads webpage for current conditions.
• Drive Cautiously: Always adjust your speed according to the road conditions, and avoid traveling on closed winter roads.
• Visibility: Clear your vehicle of snow and ice, keep your lights on, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Gas Tank: Keep your gas tank full as services are limited on winter roads.

Ice Road Safety

• Speed Control: Drive slowly, especially on ice-covered roads and bridges.
• Be Alert: Pay attention to signage and stay on designated routes to avoid thin ice areas.
• Emergency Planning: Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time, especially since cell phone reception can be unreliable.

General Winter Road Information

• Weather Awareness: Check the weather forecast before traveling and avoid driving during winter storms.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Have a plan for delays or breakdowns, as these can quickly become life-threatening in winter conditions.

Requirements and Tips

• Height and Bridge Clearances: Heavy vehicles exceeding 5.5 meters in height require a special form and a minimum of three pilot vehicles in Fort McMurray.
• Route Haul Permit: Mandatory for heavy vehicles using winter roads. Applications should include a route map, vehicle and cargo description, and a road maintenance plan. Apply for a route haul permit.
• Load Limits: Adherence to posted load limits is critical for road safety and integrity. Overloading can lead to road damage, closures, and heavy fines.
• Driving Conditions: Drivers must control their speed, especially in poor visibility and slippery conditions. Chains are only allowed in designated areas.
• Safe Distance: Maintain a 300-500 meters distance from other heavy vehicles, particularly on ice and over crossings.
• Breaks: Utilize pull-outs along the winter road to rest and stay alert during long hauls.
• Road Condition Reporting: Regular inspections are conducted, but drivers are encouraged to report any significant damage or concerns.

Safety and Communication

• Emergency Preparedness: Check the weather forecast, avoid traveling during storms, and inform someone about your travel plans due to limited cell phone reception.
• Communication: Use LADD Channel 4 173.370 Mhz to report and monitor road conditions every 10 km.

Information and Updates

• Winter Road Hotline: 1-866-743-6111
• Winter Roads Webpage: rmwb.ca/winterroads
• Parks Canada (Fort Smith Winter Road): Phone: 1-867-872-7962, Website: pc.gc.ca/WoodBuffalo
• Alberta Transportation (Highways): Phone: 511, Website: 511.Alberta.ca