The GNWT Department of Infrastructure is not committing to a date to open the ice road to Dettah, but crews have been plowing and measuring ice thickness over the past few weeks in preparation for drivers. Department officials expect the route to be open soon, however.
Greg Hanna, communications officer with the department said Thursday that the department tries to avoid providing specific dates so not to disappoint if an unforeseen event leads to a commitment not being kept.
"The road has definitely been opening later than historic patterns, but it is not completely out of the norm to open in and around this time," he said, adding that staff want to make sure the route is safe and at lease 35 centimetres thick.
The department is asking vehicles to stay off the road until the opening is announced.