Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley winter road continues to serve our territory as a seasonal solution to community resupply and economic development. Today this road is more important than ever as industry prepares to tap into the enormous resource potential in the Mackenzie Valley.
Increased traffic along the Mackenzie Valley winter road due to industry activities means increased maintenance requirements for the Department of Transportation. During this time, the safety of the travelling public is the department’s first priority.
Mr. Speaker, education, awareness and outreach are important to fostering a safe environment. The Department of Transportation seeks to ensure that commercial vehicles are prepared for the unique conditions of winter road travel. A document entitled The Mackenzie Valley Winter Road System 2013-14: Safety and Reliability for the Public and for Industry has been distributed for this very purpose and is available on the DOT website. This document provides commercial carriers with speed limits, vehicle regulations, contact numbers for emergencies and road reports, and detailed maps for their travels.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation works closely with industry to ensure the needs of both parties are met. Pre-operation meetings have been held with carriers to review safety measures. This winter a contribution agreement with ConocoPhillips provided funding toward the
construction of ice bridges and road maintenance along the route south of Norman Wells.
The presence of highway patrol officers along the Mackenzie Valley winter road continues to help enforce safe driving behaviour through conducting commercial vehicle inspections. For next year, the department is proposing to hire additional highway maintenance supervisors and highway transport officers to respond to higher traffic volumes. This will provide additional monitoring and enforcement resources to ensure the continued safety of the travelling public.
Mr. Speaker, over the past decade the department has constructed 36 permanent structures at major stream and river crossings throughout the Mackenzie Valley corridor. These bridges, which increase the winter road’s reliability and stability, are located on the alignment of the proposed all-weather highway. We would also like to note ConocoPhillips have contributed $400,000 to the winter road.
Corridors for Canada III, the department’s federal infrastructure funding plan, proposes additional funding opportunities for improving the Mackenzie Valley road.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation asks drivers to respect the posted speed limits when travelling on winter roads. Drivers should ensure they are well prepared by checking road conditions via the department’s website.
We wish residents safe and efficient travel for the remainder of the winter road season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.