After a slow start to construction due to a warm start to the winter, the Mackenzie River Ice crossing is officially open for vehicles up to 6,000 kilograms.
The road was declared open for use at 11:50 a.m. Dec. 8, falling into the historical range of the road’s annual opening. Typically, the opening of the ice road to light traffic occurs between Nov. 25 and Dec. 9.
Currently, the ice road only allows access from Inuvik to Fort McPherson. Travellers to Tsiigehtchic will need to use the temporary winter access road from the Fort McPherson side, which is also open to vehicles weighing 6,000 kg or less.
Still no update on when the Akalvik Ice road is expected to be opened — historically it opens between Dec. 11 and Jan. 15. However, the Peel River crossing has opened and is in full operation.