The latest updates on the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road and the La Loche Winter Trail are available by following the links below or by calling the Winter Road Hotline at 1-866-743-6111. Updates and details are provided as they become available.
Fort Chipewyan winter road status
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La Loche Winter Trail Status
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Important Information
- There are no regular services like road patrol, gas stations or cell phone coverage on the winter roads so always be prepared for emergencies. High clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
- Workers, equipment and other motorists may also be on the road, so please stay on the right side of the road on hills for enhanced safety.
- Please drive to road conditions and obey all posted signage. When passing equipment, reduce speed to 30 km/h for everyone's safety.
Winter Road Safety Tips
Prepare Your Vehicle
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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.
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Winter Tires: Ensure your vehicle has winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.
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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.
- 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
Download Heavy Vehicle Information Brochure
Frequently Asked Questions
| How long are the winter roads? |
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The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is 177 km from gate to gate. The La Loche Winter Trail is 62 km from Hwy 881 to the Saskatchewan border. |
| Are there mile markers on the Fort Chipewyan winter road? |
| Yes. There are mile markers starting in Fort Chipewyan that run south to the entrance gate by the washrooms. Markers can be used for emergency situations and wide loads. |
| Do drivers need to radio in the markers to anyone? |
| No. There is no requirement to call in to anyone while travelling the road. |
| How can I get information on the Fort Smith Winter Road? |
| For information on the Fort Smith Winter Road, please visit the Parks Canada website or call 1-867-872-7962. |