‹ Infrastructure

Deh Cho bridge opens 30-Nov-12

November 16, 2012

The $202 million Deh Cho bridge over the Mackenzie River at Fort Providence, N.W.T., will provide all-season access to communities in the North Slave region of the territory, including Yellowknife.

The Deh Cho Bridge, under construction since 2008, is a 1.1 km (0.68 mi) bridge across a 1.6 km (0.99 mi) span of the Mackenzie River on Highway 3 near Fort Providence, Northwest Territories. The bridge will replace ice roads (winter) and ferry service (summer) to get goods and people across the Mackenzie River.

The toll rates are defined for three types of commercial vehicles based on the number of axles. The rate for “tractor-trains” of 7 axles or more is $275, “tractor-trailers” of 4-6 axles pay $150, and trucks with 2-3 axles pay $75. These rates are for registered users with transponders; single-use permits have an additional $16.25 service charge. Toll rates will increase based on inflation.

Commentary

After many construction difficulties the GNWT was forced to take over the project in 2010. Originally budgeted for $169 M, the bridge was long delayed and over-budget. But finally it will open, much to the delight of the people of the southern NWT.

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