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The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is opening at noon, Dec. 17, to light vehicles less than 5,000 kg in weight.
Drivers should watch for equipment and crews on the road and expect rough spots. High clearance 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended – remember to drive to conditions and follow all posted signage.
Crews worked over the weekend to complete snow ramps and clear snow for safe two-lane traffic.
Maximum weight limits will be increased as soon as it is safe to do so. All changes to the weight limit will be formally announced. Vehicles heavier than the posted weight limit using the winter road will be subject to serious fines and penalties.
Speeding on the winter road is very dangerous and destructive
Speeding on the winter road is extremely dangerous, especially through the delta section. 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.
La Loche Winter Trail closed until further notice
The winter trail remains closed while work continues. Safe ice thickness on the Christina River crossing is needed for heavy equipment to complete construction of the eastern half of the trail.
Important reminders
- Stay on the right-hand side of the road, especially on hills.
- All heavy vehicles (fuel trucks, semi-trailers, etc.), require a permit to use the winter road. Submit a permit application as soon as possible to prevent any delays. Find more information on permits and other details in the Heavy Vehicle Information Package.
- Review the Winter Road Safety Tips before travelling.
Winter road updates, safety tips and other resources are available at rmwb.ca/winterroads. Road users can also get updates by calling the Winter Road Hotline at 1-866-743-6111, or by signing up for email updates at subscribe.rmwb.ca.
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