Canada and N.W.T to invest $14M for highway rehabilitation

by arslan_ahmed | January 24, 2023 2:02 pm

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The federal and Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) governments recently announced an investment of $14 million into the rehabilitation of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway.

The funding will support improvements to the existing highway by raising low profile embankment areas between KM 22 and KM 90, improving drainage, and installing guardrails as needed. The rehabilitation of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway will improve road safety and reliability for residents and provide a better driving experience to motorists as well.

The all-season highway is critical for Tuktoyaktuk residents to access essential services and helps tourists discover northern communities and get to the Arctic Ocean.

Northern infrastructure is subject to the effects of unique land attributes, harsh environments, and climate change. Temperatures in northern Canada have increased three times more than the global mean warming rate and even more in southern Canada. The project is built in an area of continuous permafrost and therefore, is highly susceptible to the impacts of a warming climate, including melting permafrost, which is a challenge experienced by various infrastructure assets across the North. This investment will increase the highway’s resilience and extend its lifespan.

“Investing in highway infrastructure in the Northwest Territories connects communities, enhances the quality of life, and helps reduce the cost of living for Northerners. I am pleased to be working with our federal partners on improving the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway. This investment will not only make the highway safer and more reliable, but it will also ensure residents continue to benefit from improved social, educational, and economic opportunities,” says Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure of the Northwest Territories.

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/canada-and-n-w-t-invest-14m-for-highway-rehabilitation/

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