Ice roads are essential to residents of the Far North. (Facebook)

By Derek Cornet

winter access

Northern ice roads starting to open to traffic

Feb 3, 2021 | 3:37 PM

Ice roads in Saskatchewan’s Far North are beginning to open after a mild winter.

That’s according to Ministry of Highways spokesperson David Horth, who said the ice road from Fond du Lac to Shasko Bay officially opened Feb. 3. It’s currently only accessible to lighter loads with a maximum of 27,650 pounds or 12,539 kilograms.

The Stony Rapids overland route has also opened, but Horth noted it’s rough so motorists want to be cautious.

“There are 131 kilometers of ice roads in Saskatchewan and they mostly they serve the North,” he said. “These are remote communities and ice roads provide additional access. It’s the avenue in which most heavy supplies get delivered, particularly in the winter months.”

As of Feb. 4, the Ministry of Highways is reporting the ice road from Fond du Lac to Uranium City is open to light traffic with a maximum weigh of 27,650 pounds or 12,539 kilograms.

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Typically, Horth explained ice roads open in the first part of February, but opening has happened as early as the last week in January and as late as mid-February.

“We have to make sure the ice is strong,” he said. “Thickness is a component of that, but we have to make sure the ice is strong enough for traffic to move safely across. Once we have an ice road we’ve got ready to go, we do some testing to make sure the ice is strong.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno