The new Redknife River Bridge is now open to traffic on Highway 1. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and De Beers completed construction of the bridge improving the highway crossing and restoring year-round fish passage for migratory species. Initially, traffic will be limited to one lane while minor finishing work is complete at the site.

The new bridge is located at kilometre 295.2 of Highway 1, approximately 181 kilometres southeast of Fort Simpson and 30 kilometres southeast of Sambaa Deh Territorial Park.

The bridge replaces three existing culverts at the crossing. While the culverts remained structurally sound, erosion of the riverbed and changes in water levels created conditions that seasonally prevented fish from passing upstream. The new bridge provides a more functional crossing for the river and is designed to better accommodate changing water levels.

The project is the result of a unique partnership between the GNWT and De Beers in relation to the Gahcho Kué Mine. Gahcho Kué contributed $9.5 million toward the design and construction of the bridge as fish habitat compensation required under its Fisheries Act authorization. The GNWT contributed the remaining project costs through its capital budget and is responsible for the bridge's ownership and ongoing maintenance.

The partnership allowed Gahcho Kué to meet its fish habitat compensation requirements while supporting the GNWT's ongoing work to ensure functional stream crossings across the NWT highway system.

The new bridge will improve the riding surface for motorists, support the reliable movement of people and goods along Highway 1, and provide year-round fish passage at the Redknife River crossing.

Quotes

“The completion of the Redknife River Bridge is a great example of what can be achieved when government and industry work together toward shared goals. This new bridge improves transportation infrastructure, supports year-round fish passage and strengthens the resilience of Highway 1 for NWT residents and visitors.”

 - Vince McKay, Minister of Infrastructure

“This new bridge is an important improvement for the people who use Highway 1. This showcases another improvement by the GNWT on this section of highway that helps connect our residents and businesses, while improving fish habitat. This project highlights how infrastructure investments can deliver benefits beyond transportation but improving and protecting the natural environment. I am pleased to see this project completed and am looking forward to using it in the future.”

 - Shane Thompson, MLA for Nahendeh

“The Redknife River Bridge is about protecting the fish and the water. For a long time, fish were not able to move freely up and down the river, and we are glad to see that the new bridge has restored that natural flow. The Redknife River also has deep historical and cultural significance for the Dene. At the mouth of the river is a place where thousands of Dene gathered generations ago for an important ceremony marking the coming of a new world. We are honoured to see the river returned to a more natural state, with free-flowing water that connects this important place to the land, the people who came before us and those who will come after us.”

 - Herb Norwegian, Grand Chief, Dehcho First Nations

“By replacing perched culverts along the Redknife River with a free-span bridge, native fish populations are expected to rebound, and the natural flow patterns of the river will be restored.  The improved fish productivity is expected to more than triple what was impacted through the construction of the Gahcho Kue Mine.”

 - Sarah McLean, Head of Environmental Strategy and Legacy, De Beers Canada Inc.
 

Quick facts

• The new bridge is located at kilometre 295.2 of Highway 1, approximately 181 kilometres southeast of Fort Simpson.
• The bridge replaces three culverts constructed in 1971. The previous culverts seasonally restricted fish passage because of erosion and water-flow conditions.
• Gahcho Kué Mine contributed $9.5 million to the project as fish habitat compensation.
• The GNWT owns the bridge and is responsible for its ongoing maintenance.
• The project supports the GNWT's broader work to ensure functional stream crossing structures throughout the NWT highway system.
• The bridge provides year-round fish passage at the crossing.
• The bridge is open to traffic, with one lane initially open while minor finishing work continues.
• Remaining site restoration work, including ditch contouring and reseeding of disturbed areas, is expected to be completed in 2027.

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