Canada's Roads That Arrive With Winter

In Canada's Northwest Territories, some roads only exist in winter. They are called winter roads and ice roads. They cross lakes, rivers and land covered with snow. [1]

These roads connect small communities to other roads. Nine communities in the Northwest Territories use this road system. The roads are usually open from December to April, but the dates can change because of the weather. [1]

Trucks use the roads to bring fuel, food and things for building. For some communities, these roads are very important because there is no road they can use all year. [1][2]

Making an ice road takes a lot of work. People check the ice, move snow and make the road safe. A road can also have a weight limit. A very heavy truck may need to wait until the ice is strong enough. [1]

Drivers must be careful. The government tells people to check the road and weather, bring warm things and things they may need, and drive at the right rate. Roads can close quickly when the weather gets warmer. [2]

A normal road stays in the same place all year. An ice road is different. Winter helps make the road. People use it for a few months. Then spring takes it away again.