The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Government of Canada is celebrating the start of construction on the Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge Replacement Project.

With $52.5 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund under the Government of Canada, the GNWT has awarded a construction contract for $120.7 million to the Tłı̨chǫ–Kiewit General Partnership (TKGP).  

Located at kilometre 243.8 on Highway 3, the new bridge will improve safety, support growing traffic needs, and remove restrictions on large and heavy loads travelling north. The bridge is an important transportation link running through Behchokǫ̀, connecting communities throughout the North Slave region to the rest of the NWT’s and national highway system. This new bridge strengthens opportunity for critical mineral exploration and mining, and advances the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC).

Early construction activities starting this week include equipment mobilization, construction pad preparation, and camp setup. The new approx. 200-metre bridge will be built just north of the existing bridge, and it will feature two lanes – one in each direction – and a separate path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge is expected to open to traffic in fall 2027, with removal of the existing bridge completed by fall 2028.

Quick Facts:

• This project is supported through the National Trade Corridors Fund, with a $52.5 million contribution from the Government of Canada.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.1 billion has been committed to projects since 2017.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund invests in projects that address the unique and urgent transportation needs in Canada's Arctic and North. The needs include:
  • climate resilience and access to markets,
  • creating social and economic opportunities,
  • access between communities and to essential services despite difficult terrain and severe climate conditions, and
  • the high cost of construction along Canada's northern trade corridors.
• The Tłı̨chǫ–Kiewit General Partnership (TKGP) has been awarded the construction contract for $120.7 million.
• The Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge is a critical component of the newly identified Project of National Interest Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC), which will connect the national highway network north/south and east/west.

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the replacement of the Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure in the Northwest Territories. Together with the GNWT, we are investing in safer, more reliable transportation for residents, businesses, and visitors. This project reflects our commitment to strengthening northern infrastructure and supporting local communities for generations to come.”

• Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport (Canada)

“I am pleased to support the construction of the new Frank Channel Bridge, which strengthens the vital connection between our Tłı̨chǫ communities to Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories, and southern Canada. This bridge will enhance safety for travellers and community members and serve our people for generations to come. The Tłı̨chǫ Government looks forward to working in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada and Tłı̨chǫ-Kiewit to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for our citizens throughout this project. “

• Jackson Lafferty, Grand Chief, Tłı̨chǫ Government

“Today, we celebrate the start of construction on a project that has been years in the making. The Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge is one of the most important pieces of transportation infrastructure in the Northwest Territories, connecting people and communities, and providing new opportunities for Northerners. This groundbreaking marks an exciting milestone in strengthening our transportation network and investing in the long-term growth and safety of the North.”

• Vince McKay, Minister of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories

Media Requests, please contact:
Press Secretary
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories 
presssecretary@gov.nt.ca