February 15, 2002

Manitoba Transportation and Government Services is advising northern residents that, while most winter roads are now open to light traffic, they should continue to check road conditions before travelling.

Warm weather that caused construction delays in many areas has passed, however, recent heavy snowfall has affected access on some routes. Most winter roads have sufficiently thick ice levels to safely support regular or light vehicle traffic.

Winter roads currently open include:

• Bloodvein to Barens River and Poplar River, open to full loads;
• Cross Lake to Oxford House to Gods Lake Narrows, overland sections open to full loads, sections over the lake open to reduced loading;
• Gods Lake Narrows to Gods River, open to reduced loads (as of today);
• Norway House to Wasagamack, St. Theresa and Garden Hill, open to reduced loads (as of today); and
• PR 394 to Brochet and Lac Brochet, open to full loads.

Roads still closed, but expected to be open within the next week to possible reduced loading include:

• Round Lake to Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi;
• McPhail River to St. Theresa Point;
• Lac Brochet Junction to Tadoule Lake; and
• PR 391 to Granville Lake.

The winter road from Norway House to the Island Lake communities is currently closed due to two feet of snow from two major storms in the past week but is expected to be reopened by the weekend. Load weights will be determined at the time the route is opened.

For road condition information, call:

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