YELLOWKNIFE (January 27, 2016) – The Department of Transportation (DOT) is extending a pilot project for permits on 8 and 9 axle commercial vehicles. These permits allow commercial carriers to ship more weight per truck when travelling between Hay River and the mine sites north of Yellowknife.

The initial pilot project was a success, and the Department of Transportation is looking forward to continuing this partnership with the Tibbit to Contwoyto Winter Road Joint Venture. 

“Improving our transportation network by building on partnerships with industry stakeholders is a priority for the Department,” said Minister of Transportation Wally Schumann.  “There are numerous economic benefits associated with the project, including reduced commercial carrier traffic on these roads, improved fuel efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and a more effective mine resupply period”.

“The GNWT axle permit pilot project has been an excellent example of government and industry working together to safely improve efficiencies while reducing cost to mining operations in the North, thereby making them more sustainable in the long term,” said Ron Near, Director of Winter Road Operations with Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. 

Strengthening connections is one of the three strategic priorities identified in the Department of Transportation’s 25-year Transportation Strategy. The Department will continue to look for ways to build on partnerships with industry and other stakeholders to increase reliability, enhance the level of service and improve transportation safety for residents and businesses across the Northwest Territories.

Media Inquiries:

Ioana Spiridonica
Department of Transportation
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-447-1368
www.dot.gov.nt.ca
@GNWT_DOT