FORT CHIPEWYAN — Construction crews are working to build the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road despite delays caused by unseasonably warm weather, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says.
Municipal contractors began work in November and will continue through December, with the municipality targeting an opening before Dec. 25. The RMWB cautions that the timeline depends on colder temperatures and the progress crews can make preparing a safe surface for traffic.
Officials are warning residents not to use the closed winter road while construction is underway. They say early travel can damage snow ramps and ice surfaces, create dangerous conditions for drivers and set back progress toward opening.
Work is also ongoing on the La Loche Winter Trail, which remains closed. The municipality says safe ice thickness is still needed on the Christina River crossing before heavy equipment can complete construction of the eastern portion of the trail.
The RMWB is reminding commercial operators that all heavy vehicles, including fuel trucks and tractor trailers, must obtain a permit before using the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road once it opens. The municipality is urging companies to submit applications early to avoid delays. Additional details are available in the Heavy Vehicle Information Package.
Drivers are also encouraged to review winter road safety tips, which include preparing vehicles, carrying emergency supplies and checking conditions before travelling.
Updates on construction, safety information and answers to frequently asked questions are available at rmwb.ca/winterroads. Residents can also call the municipal winter road hotline or sign up for email alerts.
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