Kevin McLeod is Assistant deputy minister of asset management with the GNWT’s Department of Infrastructure
An article was recently published in the weekend Yellowknifer titled “Surface of Hwy 3 is 'a disaster': trucker.” On behalf of the Department of Infrastructure (INF), I want to take this opportunity to respond to the article and highlight some key facts about this important link in our transportation network.
The safety of the public is always our number one priority. As such, the Department follows national highway signage guidelines established by the Transportation Association of Canada along our work zones and we warn all users of the highway of the ongoing works along the route so they can plan their trip and arrive safely at their destination.
I agree: Highway 3 between Yellowknife and Behchoko can sometimes be a bumpy ride, but that’s not because of a lack of improvements or work. The highway is situated in an area of the territory that has intermittent or discontinuous permafrost. This results in settlements as the permafrost thaws which causes the surface to become uneven and releases water into the embankment causing potholes.
In an effort to better mitigate the effects of discontinuous permafrost and its interaction with our infrastructure, the department is conducting a research and development program along Highway 3. Four tests sections have been established along the highway to determine the most effective way to combat the effects of permafrost in the future.
INF is fully committed to improving highways so communities stay connected. To date, we have made significant investments on all our highways. Approximately $18.5 million has been spent in the past five years to improve driving conditions on Highway 3. This year alone, our department will be resurfacing and leveling and rehabilitating 89 kilometres of Highway 3, with priority given to areas that need improvements the most.
We know these improvements are effective, because the number of vehicle incidents has decreased by 18.8 per cent on the highway since it was paved in 2006 – despite a 9.1 per cent increase in the number of kilometres travelled on the highway.
This season will see the more activity on Highway 3 compared to previous seasons and drivers will experience many construction zones. We ask you to drive cautiously and respect the signage, the flag people and the workers who are helping to make your driver smoother.
Be prepared for uneven driving surfaces, slow down and avoid sharp turns on loose gravel, wear seatbelts whenever you are in a vehicle and never drive if you are tired, impaired or distracted.
We encourage the public to check out the department’s website (www.INF.gov.nt.ca) or our Twitter (@GNWT_INF) for information on all NWT highways, including Highway 3. If you have a comment or concern please contact us – we are always looking at ways of improving the driving experience.