YELLOWKNIFE (January 30, 2014) – Effective at noon on Friday, January 31, 2014, drivers will access the Ingraham Trail on the newly constructed Highway 4 alignment road. The nearly six kilometres of new road will provide travellers with a safer, more comfortable driving experience.
The route for the new roadway was chosen after extensive consultations and the requirements of the Giant Mine remediation project were taken fully into account. The design/build contract for the construction was undertaken by Det’on Cho Corporation. Future work which remains, including roadway widening of the last 1.5 kilometres of old alignment to the Yellowknife River and chip sealing of the road surface, will be completed during the summer 2014 construction season.
Transportation Minister Tom Beaulieu says the project was a demonstration of the commitment to improve transportation infrastructure. “As we improve the transportation system, using northern expertise, we are putting in place valuable infrastructure which future generations can use. Investments in transportation infrastructure are an essential contribution to a sustainable territory, and this road will improve traveller safety as well.”
The start of Highway 4 is now located approximately 600 metres east of Yellowknife’s Old Airport Road. The old Highway 4 roadway remain open to provide public access to the Yellowknife Ski Club property and the City of Yellowknife Solid Waste Facility and boat launch areas. Access to the Ingraham Trail, including access to the Vee Lake Road and the Yellowknife River Day Use Area, will only be possible on the new alignment.
The Highway 4 realignment project helps deliver on the priority of the 17th Assembly to strengthen and diversify our economy by making strategic infrastructure investments that will benefit all residents for generations to come.
Further information:
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
(867) 873-7712
(867) 445-3494 (cell)
earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca