A new contractor is being hired to help get the Fort Chipewyan winter road reopened.

The ice road was open for less than 2 weeks when warm temperatures weakened the ice and forced the RMWB to temporarily close it off from the public.

The contractor, who uses a specialized ice construction method, has already begun work on the Des Rochers River crossings.

The municipality hopes the road will be ready to open again in early February but its reopening depends largely on the weather.

When it does reopen, only essential travel should be on the road.

This includes vehicles delivering supplies to the rural hamlet and those traveling to access essential services.