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The winter road through Wood Buffalo National Park between Fort Smith and Fort Chipewyan will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns at one of its crossings.
Access will be further restricted from the beginning of Friday, with barriers installed at Fort Chipewyan and the unsafe crossing to prevent travel, Parks Canada stated on Thursday.
In an email this week seen by Cabin Radio, Wood Buffalo National Park’s superintendent said a “structural failure at the Furgeson Creek crossing” presented a risk to public safety.
“We recognize how important winter access is for communities and regret the impacts of this continued closure. Our priority is the safety of those travelling on the land, and we appreciate your understanding and support,” the email stated.
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“The closure of the road south of Furgeson Creek is a logistical safety precaution to prevent travellers from reaching the closure point and being required to turn back, which could result in fuel shortages or other hazardous situations. Emergency response from Parks Canada likely cannot be provided in the event of an incident.”
The notice warned that anyone entering the closed area could be reported to law enforcement and may face prosecution under the Canada National Parks Act.
Travel by snowmobile for traditional purposes is not restricted, but the notice advised travellers to exercise “extreme caution” and stay informed of bridge and weather conditions.
In its update on Facebook, Parks Canada told residents that crews “are currently assessing alternatives for constructing a new temporary crossing at Furgeson Creek while the bridge is closed.”
An opening date is not yet available, the agency added.
In an average year, the winter road between Fort Smith and Fort Chipewyan opens in mid-December and remains open until mid-to-late March.
