The operator of the winter road connecting Yellowknife to the NWT’s diamond mines says it’s set to open for the 2025 season on February 4.
The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road generally lasts for a couple of months and provides a vital annual opportunity for the mines to haul in supplies and haul out anything surplus to requirements.
This year, the joint venture operating the road says it’s expecting 5,800 loads to head north over the course of the road’s lifespan.
“The year’s resupply will be somewhat lighter than past years but still within that range,” director of winter road operations Barry Henkel told Cabin Radio by email on Monday.
Henkel confirmed the road is set to open on February 4. It remains closed to traffic until that point as construction continues.
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The joint venture had estimated 6,000 loads for the 2024 season and 6,400 loads in 2023.
The Diavik diamond mine, one of the three that rely on the winter road, is on the verge of closing. The Rio Tinto-operated mine is expected to end commercial production in early 2026.
The other two mines, Ekati and Gahcho Kué, are expected to remain in operation for some years beyond that point.
