Fort Chipewyan Winter Road temporary closures announced for essential construction

(Fort McMurray, AB – January 19, 2022) – Construction crews are working to repair the south ramp of the Athabasca crossing along the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road to ensure the route remains safe and accessible for larger vehicles. Temporary closures and load limit adjustments begin Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 a.m., and are expected to end Friday, Jan. 28.

Temporary closures and load limit adjustments

Tuesday, Jan. 25

• Full road closure from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Winter road open to light vehicles (5,000 kg limit) from 9 p.m. – 7 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 26

• Full road closure from 7 a.m.- 9.pm
• Winter road open to light vehicles (5,000 kg limit) from 9 p.m.- 7 a.m.             

Thursday, Jan. 27

• Winter road fully open with 5,000 kg load limit in place

Friday, Jan. 28

• Winter road fully open with 35,000 kg load limit resuming at 9 a.m.

The closures will affect daytime travel with the road opening nightly at 9 p.m. to light vehicles (5,000kg).

Reopening the winter road as soon as possible is a priority, but the opening is heavily dependent on weather and the progress crews make repairing the ramp. Any changes to the planned schedule will be shared.

It is extremely dangerous to use the winter road when it’s closed

Travelling on the winter road when it is closed is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous. Barricades will be in place and there is no detour around the Athabasca ramp and any motorist using the winter road while it’s closed are putting themselves and others at risk of a serious incident.

Winter Road safety reminders

Anyone using the winter road should review the Winter Road Safety Tips brochure. There is also a Heavy Vehicle Information Package.

Drivers are reminded that speeding is very dangerous on the winter road, and that they must follow all posted signage, drive to conditions and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Motorists must follow all traffic rules and understand that there are additional hazards and risks present while using the winter road.

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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