The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has completed construction of the new Jean Marie River Bridge on Highway 1, with the bridge now open to the travelling public.

The replacement bridge improves safety and reliability along one of the Northwest Territories' highway corridors. The new crossing supports more efficient travel for residents, businesses, commercial traffic and visitors, while improving the long-term resilience of the territory's transportation network. The project has been completed ahead of schedule.

The previous bridge had reached the end of its service life and required reduced speeds, single-lane traffic and ongoing maintenance. The new bridge replaces that aging structure with a modern, single-span steel girder bridge designed to improve travel for residents, commercial traffic and visitors.

The new bridge:

• Improves safety and reliability on Highway 1.
• Removes the horizontal width restrictions of the previous bridge, improving access for wide loads.
• Provides increased clearance to accommodate higher flood levels.
• Reduces future maintenance requirements and supports the long-term reliability of the transportation network.

The GNWT thanks residents, commercial drivers and travellers for their patience throughout construction and recognizes the efforts of the project team and contractors in delivering this important infrastructure project. Although the bridge is now open, construction activities will continue over the next month as crews complete the remaining work. Drivers are reminded to obey all traffic signs and slow down when travelling through construction areas.

Quick facts:

• Bridge opened to the public July 22, 2026.
• Replaces an aging bridge that required reduced speeds and single-lane traffic.
• Improves safety, reliability and efficiency for all highway users.
• Supports economic activity by improving access for commercial and oversized loads.
• Designed to withstand higher flood levels and serve the territory for many years.

Quotes:

"The completion of the Jean Marie River Bridge is an important investment in the Northwest Territories' transportation system. This new bridge provides a safer, more reliable crossing for residents, businesses and everyone travelling along Highway 1. It also strengthens critical transportation infrastructure that supports economic development, improves connectivity and helps ensure northern communities remain connected to the services, supplies and opportunities they depend on. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this project and to the public for their patience throughout construction."

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

For media requests, please contact:
INF Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca