The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is set to reopen this weekend.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, vehicles weighing 5,000 kg or less can use the road.

It was temporarily closed earlier this month after the warmer weather caused ice to melt, specifically around the east crossing over the Des Rocher River.

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.

Alberta Health Services is discouraging all out-of-town travel at this time as it would increase the likelihood of COVID-19 cases popping up in the community.

Meanwhile, the municipality is reminding drivers to be extra careful when using the road.

When driving over ice crossings, you should be going a maximum of 15 km/h and 25 km/h when going through the delta section.

Speeding can damage the ice and force the RMWB to close the road off.

Motorists should avoid using the crossings at the same time as other vehicles.