The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) would like to advise residents of several highway and bridge construction projects in the coming summer months.

The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories invest millions each year in NWT highways, bridges and culverts to ensure they remain a safe and reliable transportation option for residents, businesses and visitors. This year, $82.8 million has been allocated to infrastructure activities, of which $62.8 million will be for highway, bridge and culvert planning, design, and construction – more than 195 kilometres of highway, four bridges/culverts, and three access roads. Most of the projects are funded jointly by the GNWT and the Government of Canada through funding programs that improve community infrastructure for rural and northern communities.

Well-maintained highways connect NWT residents and communities to each other and help support sustainable communities by providing access to goods and economic opportunities.

Drivers are reminded to plan for extra travel time, watch for highway crews and

equipment, slow down in all construction zones and obey signs and flag persons.

For current road conditions, construction work and expected delays, visit the NWT highway conditions map and @GNWT_INF on Twitter.

Quote(s)

"Enhancing public infrastructure is vital to supporting the unique needs of northern communities. Investing in Northwest Territories’ transportation network will create jobs, build stronger and more inclusive communities, and ensure long-lasting safety for the traveling public for years to come.”

- Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Investments in our transportation infrastructure generate a variety of economic and social benefits for northerners and Canadians. These investments not only increase driver safety, but they also strengthen community connections, supporting new business, employment, educational and health care opportunities for residents. The GNWT will continue to work closely with our public and private sector partners to build and maintain a transportation network that meets the current needs of our citizens and the needs of generations to come.”

- Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure 

Quick facts

2023/24 Highway Improvement Projects (Captial)

Highway 1 - Mackenzie Highway: Rehabilitation work including embankment widening and drainage improvement, kms 222-234. Construction start date (estimated): September 2021 - end date (estimated): August 2023

Highway 2 - Hay River Highway: Chipseal overlay, kms 0-48. Construction start date (estimated): June 2023 - end date (estimated): September 2023.

Highway 3 - Yellowknife Highway: Highway surface repairs, kms 240-332. Construction start date (estimated): June 2023 - end date (estimated): September 2023

Highway 4 - Ingraham Trail: Highway repairs and rehabilitation including repairing dips, embarkment widening, culvert replacement and chipseal, kms 54.75-59.2. Construction start date: May 2021 - end date: August 2023. And chipseal overlay, kms 0-59. Construction start date (estimated): June 2023 - end date (estimated): September 2023.

Highway 5 - Fort Smith Highway: Chipseal overlay, kms 211-266 (45 kms only). Construction start date (estimated): June 2023 - end date (estimated): September 2023

Highway 7 - Liard Highway: Rehabilitation including embarkment widening, aggregate production, Right of Way clearing, ditching, culvert replacement, sub-base, base and chipseal, kms 19.75-33.75. Construction start date (estimated): November 2021 - end date (estimated): August 2023.

Highway 8 - Dempster Highway: Reconstruction, kms 242.0-245.0. Construction start date (estimated): June 2023 - end date (estimated): September 2023.

Highway 10 - Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH): Reconstruction of ITH including washboards & soft shoulder rehabilitation and raising of low-profile sections, kms 27-29, 30-32 & 68.6-71.54. Construction start date (estimated): June 2023 - end date (estimated): September 2023.

Dettah Access Road: Chipseal Overlay, kms 0-6. Construction start date (estimated): June 2023- end date (estimated): September 2023.

Liard Access Road: Improvements including resurfacing and chipseal, kms 0-5. Construction start date (estimated): November 2023 - end date (estimated): August 2024.

Various Highways - Bridges and Bridge-Culverts:

Bridge-culvert replacement, km 680.9 (HWY 1). Construction start date (estimated): Summer 2023 - end date (estimated): Summer 2023

Deh Cho Bridge annual cleaning, km 24.4 (HWY 3). Construction start date (estimated): March 2023 - end date (estimated): August 2023.

Deh Cho Bridge catwalk replacement, km 24.4 (HWY 3). Construction start date (estimated): Summer 2023 - end date (estimated): Winter 2023.

Bridge-culvert replacement, km 176.6 (HWY 7). Construction start date (estimated): Summer 2023 - end date (estimated): 2024.

Bridge-culvert replacement, km 187.2 (HWY 7). Construction start date (estimated): Summer 2023 - end date (estimated): Falls 2023.

2023/24 Strategic Infrastructure Projects (New Assets):

Highway 1 - Mackenzie Highway & Mackenzie Valley Winter Road: Prohibition Creek Access Road (PCAR) - Phase 1, (km 0-6.7), kms 0-6.7 (starting at Canyon Creek bridge and going south). Construction start date (estimated): November 2022 - end date (estimated): October 2023

Related links

• Highway Conditions Map
• Driving Safety
• Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Infrastructure Canada

For media requests, please contact:

INF Communications

Department of Infrastructure

Government of the Northwest Territories

Inf_communications@gov.nt.ca