The Northwest Territories government plans to launch a new highway conditions map among a range of safe driving initiatives.
Infrastructure minister Caroline Wawzonek announced the plans in the legislature on Wednesday.
The existing map was a key online destination during last summer’s evacuations for people trying to establish which highways were available to them and which were blocked by wildfire.
Wawzonek said the new map will provide “modernized up-to-the-minute information” on ferry and ice crossings, weight restrictions, road closures, weather, construction and wildfires.
The minister added the territory has 12 cameras that will allow drivers to view conditions for themselves.
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“Our system will give drivers instant and reliable highway updates for safer and more efficient travel,” she said.
“The data collected through this system will help us better plan and maintain our highways, helping improve our transportation systems for the future.”
Meanwhile, Wawzonek said a new campaign will aim to reduce collisions and promote safe driving practices.
“Basic awareness can prevent serious injuries, save lives and ensure the integrity of our highway system,” she said.
A territorial report states 427 motor vehicle collisions were reported to NWT RCMP in 2022, with 360 involving property damage. Another 66 collisions were associated with injuries and one was fatal. Twenty-six of the collisions involved alcohol.
Wawzonek said an RCMP roadside survey, conducted in Yellowknife in July 2023, found 16 percent of night-time drivers that were tested had consumed alcohol, drugs or both. Police said drivers aged 25 to 34 were particularly likely to have consumed alcohol or drugs.
