Winter Roads Safety Information for Heavy Traffic

The winter road systems in Manitoba are basic access routes to remote northern communities and have no alignment standards. There are no posted speed limit signs on the land roads and the recommended speed limit for vehicles with a G.V.W. of seven tonnes or greater is 15 km/h on all ice roads. Winter roads are constructed on the natural terrain of the land and ice. They cross muskeg, rock ridges, streams, rivers and lakes. The road surface can deteriorate rapidly due to changes in the weather. The chance of an accident increases if you do not drive according to the road conditions.

  • Travel is not approved until a section officially opens. No regular inspection or maintenance is provided along the route prior to opening or after closing, increasing the potential risk to drivers.
  • Travel on the winter road when it is not open could deteriorate and damage the road surface. Ruts created in the muskeg or land are both environmental and safety issues. Temporary road closures may be required to extend the use of the system.
  • The road surface is packed snow or ice and the stopping distance of all vehicles is increased. As a driver, you should be travelling at a speed that will allow you to safely slow down or stop if you encounter a hazard or approaching vehicle.
  • Chains offer additional traction and should be used at the driver’s discretion as they can deteriorate the snow packed road surface.
  • Winter roads are primarily used by heavy truck traffic delivering fuel, freight, groceries, machinery and building products. The contractor’s maintenance equipment is slow moving and could be encountered on blind corners.
  • The season may be shortened due to weather conditions and the traffic volumes will increase accordingly. Night travel is recommended for better visibility of traffic.
  • Vehicles with a G.V.W. of 7 tonnes or greater that exceed the recommended ice road speed limit of 15 km/h could create an ice popout or wave movement in the ice causing a complete ice failure. When approaching land or meeting other trucks on an ice road reduce speed to prevent an ice wave rebound.
  • Drive close to the centre of all ice roads not by the snow storage banks on the sides as the banks have the added weight of the snow and slush.
  • Do not stop or park trucks on any ice roads as it encourages others to do the same and the constant weight of one or more trucks could create an ice failure. The loading and unloading of all trucks and storage of material is not approved on ice and should only occur on the land.
  • Trucks should be staggered 1 km apart when travelling in the same direction on an ice road.
  • Ice road failures, sudden storms, ground drifting and whiteout conditions preventing travel and road maintenance can occur in sub-zero temperatures. Wilderness survival training and ice road driving courses are recommended.
  • Driving across a ramp bridge placed on a pressure ridge must be done with caution, as there could be possible movement of the planks. If the planks have lifted or twisted, do not cross.
  • Passing or meeting other vehicles should be done with great care due to swirling snow reducing visibility.
  • The consequences of an unexpected delay, breakdown or accident when travelling in this isolated area can be life threatening if you are not prepared. It is the driver’s responsibility to arrange for his or her own assistance. It may take a long time for assistance to arrive in the event of difficulties. Adequate clothing, personal medication, fuel to reach your destination, vehicle and survival equipment, satellite phone and CB communication are recommended for every vehicle travelling on the winter road system.
  • First time drivers on the winter road should be accompanied by an experienced driver who can identify sharp curves, slopes, signing and hazardous areas.
  • All environmental accidents such as fuel spills, leaks or fires involving chemicals and hazardous materials must be reported to Manitoba Environment , Manitoba Transportation & Government Services and the R.C.M.P. Immediate cleanup is required and is the responsibility of the driver transporting the dangerous goods.
  • Commercial vehicle operators are required to maintain a 24 hour daily log book when travelling on the winter road system ; however due to the rapid changes in road conditions that can occur and the lack of safe places to rest, the driving and on-duty limitations of the Drivers Hours of Service Regulation 193/89 are exempted under permit providing the conditions of the permit are met. While travelling on the winter road system the driver is required to remain in a constant state of awareness and no driver shall drive a commercial vehicle in a fatigue state. The driver should be aware that the fatigue factor that can occur and rest when required.
  • Notifying the destination point receiving the fuel or freight of the anticipated time of arrival will help reduce time on the system and provide an extra measure of safety in case you encounter difficulties.
  • To avoid a load movement it is recommended that all loads be secured in accordance with the Provincial requirements with equipment specifically designed for the intended use. Additional fastening devices to reduce load movement are recommended as the road surface is uneven, slippery and could be very rough.
  • All overweight and overwidth loads require winter road permits that must be approved by the Region. Allow adequate time for ice testing when applying for overweight permits.
  • Drivers should be aware of overhead utility lines in communities and call the appropriate utility if there is a concern about the height of the line.
  • When approaching or travelling through a community drive with caution as the community residents have not seen increased truck traffic since the previous year.
  • Due to environmental guidelines Transportation requires road users to be responsible for their own abandoned vehicle and garbage removal.