The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced that construction on the new Jean Marie River Bridge on Highway 1 has been completed ahead of schedule, and the bridge is now open to the public.
The previous bridge had reached the end of its service life and required continuous maintenance as well as reduced speeds and a restriction to a single lane of traffic. The new bridge will provide a safer and more reliable means of travel in the territory.
With its modern, single-span steel girder design, the new bridge will allow more efficient travel for residents, businesses, commercial traffic and visitors, as well as improve the resilience and sustainability of the territory’s transportation infrastructure.
“The completion of the Jean Marie River Bridge is an important investment in the Northwest Territories’ transportation system,” said Minister Vince McKay.
The new bridge lacks the horizontal width restrictions of the old one, allowing wider loads to be transported across it. It also has a higher clearance to accommodate higher flood levels and is designed to reduce future maintenance requirements.
Although the bridge is now open to travellers, construction work will be ongoing over the next month as crews complete the remaining work. Drivers are reminded to obey all signage and slow down when driving through construction areas.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this project and to the public for their patience throughout construction,” said McKay.
