The load limit is increasing on the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road.

As of 12 p.m. on February 21, vehicles weighing 27,500 kg and less can use the road.

This increase will allow additional fuel trucks who are resupplying the community to use the road.

Vehicles weighing more shouldn’t use the road as they could damage it causing potential safety hazards and delays.

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 if your vehicle weighs at most 5,000 kg and 5 km/h if your vehicle weighs more.

Going faster through these areas could cause a wave under the ice and can damage the road, or cause the ice to break suddenly.