Fort Chipewyan Winter Road load limit increasing to 45,000 kg

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead, drive to conditions and stay on the designated route. 

(Fort McMurray, AB – January 27, 2022) – Effective tomorrow, Jan. 28 at 9:00 a.m., the load limit for the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is increasing to 45,000 kg. The current 5,000 kg load limit remains in place until this time. 

There will be an increase in fuel trucks and over-sized loads using the winter road. Please exercise caution and keep a safe distance from larger vehicles. 

The 45,000 kg load limit is the maximum load allowed on the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road and no further increases will be made. 

One heavy vehicle at a time while traveling over ice crossings 

There is a 10 km/hr speed limit on ice crossings for heavy vehicles and only one heavy vehicle at a time is permitted to use an ice crossing. A minimum of 500 metres should always be maintained between heavy vehicles or larger loads. These rules are being strictly enforced and are in place for the safety of drivers and to prevent damage to the road.   

All drivers of heavy vehicles or larger loads should review the Heavy Vehicle Information Package before using the winter road.

Stay on the designated route

Drivers are reminded to stay on the designated winter road route. Travelling off-road, especially across Athabasca Lake, is extremely dangerous. The ice crossings on the designated route are constantly monitored for safety and maintained daily, while areas off the route are not. Anyone using an unauthorized crossing is putting themselves and others at risk of a very serious incident.

Crews preparing updated route for 2022-23 season

Next winter, the Municipality is planning on moving the east ice crossing over the Des Roches River further south to avoid the Kazan Wildland Park. Crews are currently building and maintaining an ice crossing at the proposed location to monitor the ice integrity in the area and provide access to equipment preparing the new route.

Essential construction work completed

Crews successfully repaired the south ramp of the Athabasca crossing and there are no more temporary road closures planned at this time. The Municipality would like to thank the community for their patience as this essential work was completed.  

Slow down!

Speeding on the winter road is extremely dangerous, especially through the delta section of the route. Fast moving vehicles can build a wave under the ice that can easily damage the road and break ice suddenly when the wave strikes the shoreline, a sandbar or collides with a wave from a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. 

More winter road safety tips!

Drivers must follow all traffic rules and understand that there are additional hazards and risks present while using the winter road. Please remember to plan ahead, drive to conditions and follow all posted signage. 

Please drive carefully as posted signage may not be in place for every hazard along the route, and always be aware of crews and equipment working on the road.

For the safety of everyone, motorists are also reminded to: 

• Use high clearance 4x4 vehicles
• Stay on the right-hand side of the road, especially on hills. 
• Reduce speed to 30 km/h when passing equipment in the sandhills. 
• Prepare for emergencies ahead of time. There are no regular services like road patrol, gas stations or reliable cell phone coverage. 
• Always inform someone of your travel plans before leaving.   

Anyone planning on using the winter road should review the Winter Road Safety Tips brochure.

Don’t miss a Winter Road update 

Check the following sources for the latest information: 

• Sign up for email updates at subscribe.rmwb.ca 
• Winter Road Hotline (recorded message) - 866-743-6111 
• Municipal website at rmwb.ca/winterroads 
• RMWB Facebook and Twitter accounts 

To learn more about the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road, visit rmwb.ca/winterroads 

For further information or questions, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse. 

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