The ice road between Yellowknife and Dettah will close at 10am on Tuesday, April 9, the NWT government said on Monday.
In a statement posted to social media, the Department of Infrastructure said a Monday morning assessment suggested the road is “rapidly deteriorating due to warmer weather and run-off water in the surrounding area.”
“Travellers are asked to drive safely and with caution until closure,” the department stated.
While the ice road significantly shortens the journey time between the two communities, an all-season road around Yellowknife Bay exists as an alternative.
This year’s closure will be a day earlier than last year’s and a week earlier than the 20-year average closing date of April 16.
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The road didn’t open till January 29, more than a month later than the 20-year average and weeks later than any other year according to GNWT records.
