By Derek Cornet

Construction yet to begin on northern ice roads

Jan 3, 2019 | 11:00 AM

Construction has yet to begin on ice roads throughout northern Saskatchewan.

That’s according to senior communications consultant, Steven Schaheen, with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, who said the required ice thickness hasn’t been achieved yet. He noted crews are currently checking ice thickness via snowmobile and need 46 centimeters (18 inches) of clear blue ice before work can begin.

“Ice roads usually open in the first part of February or the later part of January,” Schaheen said. “The road specifically between Stony Rapids to Fond du Lac, I believe the earliest we’ve opened that in the last five years is Jan. 23.”

The construction of ice roads is largely dependant on the weather, Schaheen added, but he believes it’s been cold enough so far it shouldn’t be a concern. If a warm, tropical system happens to push through the North in the next few weeks, he said it could slow work down. For the next seven days up until Jan. 9, Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures around -20 C or colder.

For communities in the far North, ice roads are essential as the only other source of transportation in and out is by planes. The ice roads typically remain open until March 31.

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“We understand the importance these roads are for getting materials, products and goods to northern regions,” Schaheen said. “The ministry works with local contractors to construct and maintain these winter roads.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno