Fort Chipewyan Winter Road reducing to 5,000 kg daytime limit on March 4

Heavy vehicles up to 45,000 kg must drive during nighttime hours to preserve winter road 

Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, the daytime load limit for the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is reducing to 5,000 kg to prevent damage to the road during warmer temperatures.  

Heavier vehicles up to 45,000 kg will be allowed to use the winter road at night between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., when temperatures drop.  

Vehicles heavier than 5,000 kg driving during the day (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) will be fined. Damaging the winter road can cause serious safety hazards and delay progress on reaching higher load limits.  

Light vehicles up to 5,000 kg can continue using the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road during the day. 

All updates and changes to the load limit for the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road will be formally announced.   

Important reminders: 

• Stay on the right-hand side of the road, especially on hills 
• Stop at river crossings – only one vehicle can cross at a time 
• Be cautious, and always be aware of crews and equipment working on the road 
• All heavy vehicles, such as fuel trucks and semi-trailers, require a permit to use the winter road. Find more information on permits and other important details in the Heavy Vehicle Information Package. 
• Review the Winter Road Safety Tips before travelling.   

Speeding on the winter road is very dangerous and destructive 

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. 

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.