Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my constituents have been reporting hazardous conditions along the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway since it has opened. Mr. Speaker, the highway is not well-marked, and there are no turn-outs to get off the road. The lack of signage is a major hazard and should be completed or improved.
Even though residents of Tuktoyaktuk and the region have become familiar with the road, there are still many incidents, usually involving poor weather conditions. I have heard that vehicles are stranded in snow in the middle of the road. If the highway cannot be cleared on a routine basis, there should be travel warnings issued notifying the public.
A recent significant accident on the highway to Tuktoyaktuk involved the community's mayor, who was a builder of the highway and very familiar with road conditions. Mr. Gruben narrowly missed being hit himself when his vehicle was struck by an oncoming truck. Visibility was obviously poor, and the highway conditions should have triggered a travel warning.
Mr. Speaker, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway crosses a very windy region where strong gusts and blowing snow can cause poor driving conditions. When there is snow on the road, vehicles behind a transport truck can find themselves in whiteout conditions. The highway is not wide like an ice road, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, travellers should be aware that the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway passes an extraordinary landscape. There are few trees in some areas, and temperatures can be extremely cold in the winter. There are no shelter points between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. There is no communication. It is not the place to be stuck or broken down for very long; without help, freezing is a very real danger. There are no established first responders or communication along the highway, so people must travel prepared. Mostly, residents and travellers need to be reminded that it is not completed.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned particularly for the inexperienced northern drivers and tourists. Mr. Speaker, I strongly advise travellers to check the road condition updates on the Department of Infrastructure's website. In addition to highway improvements, Mr. Speaker, I believe we have some work to do to safely promote our most northern highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.