The Dempster Highway in northern Yukon is set for structural upgrades following its inclusion in the Yukon Resource Gateway Project, the Yukon government announced on March 22.
Known as Canada香蕉视频直播檚 only all-season public road crossing the Arctic Circle, the highway serves as a critical transportation route for residents, businesses and travellers in the North. The upgrades aim to enhance reliability, safety and accessibility on this vital corridor, reinforcing its national and strategic importance.
香蕉视频直播淭he strategic importance of Arctic security has increasingly come into focus. The Government of Yukon has been seeking opportunities to reallocate federal funding in order to prioritize the repair and upgrade of the Dempster Highway to the Arctic,香蕉视频直播� wrote Krysten Johnson, communications manager at Yukon highways and public works, to the News in an email on March 27.
Launched in 2017, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve 650 kilometres of roadways that are situated in mineral-rich areas with high potential for mining activity, according to the project香蕉视频直播檚 website.
The project, valued at $468,845,000, is jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Yukon, along with the mining industry. With its inclusion in the project, the Dempster Highway is set to benefit from substantial upgrades to improve its resilience and year-round accessibility, Johnson wrote.
Planned improvements include the reconstruction of 40 kilometres of roadway, repairs to structural drainage and upgrades to road structures. Additional measures will mitigate overflow ice and address risks associated with avalanches and rockfalls, Johnson wrote.
She added that the construction of snow fences is also planned to enhance driving conditions during winter months, making the highway safer and more reliable for those who depend on it.
The Dempster Highway香蕉视频直播檚 strategic role has also positioned it as a focal point in Canada香蕉视频直播檚 efforts to strengthen Arctic security and sovereignty. A March 22 joint news release from the governments of Canada and Yukon emphasized the importance of the highway in supporting access to critical northern infrastructure.
As a crucial link to Canada香蕉视频直播檚 Arctic region, the highway delivers benefits far beyond the Yukon香蕉视频直播檚 borders.
香蕉视频直播淭hese upgrades strengthen Arctic security by supporting access to critical infrastructure in Canada香蕉视频直播檚 North,香蕉视频直播� Johnson wrote. 香蕉视频直播淭he Dempster Highway, as part of this network, is a critical inter-territorial route that delivers benefits beyond Yukon and holds national importance.香蕉视频直播�
Johnson added that the improvements will make the Dempster Highway more reliable year-round, safer to drive and more efficient for travel by Yukoners and residents of the Northwest Territories. Beyond its national and strategic value, the highway is a lifeline for northern communities, enabling essential connectivity and supporting economic development.
The Yukon Resource Gateway Project represents a collaborative effort between the Yukon government and First Nations whose traditional territories are affected by the infrastructure upgrades. Johnson noted that agreements with First Nations will be required before timelines for the project can be finalized.
香蕉视频直播淭hese agreements ensure a collaborative approach between the Government of Yukon and each First Nation government, aligning with the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy to ensure tangible benefits for local communities,香蕉视频直播� Johnson wrote.
The Dempster Highway香蕉视频直播檚 inclusion in the project is the latest chapter in the Yukon Resource Gateway Project香蕉视频直播檚 broader efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure across the territory.
Past improvements funded by the initiative include upgrades to Casino Road, North Canol Road, Nahanni Range Road, South McQuesten Road, Freegold Road and the Carmacks Bypass. These efforts aimed to open resource-rich corridors and provided essential access to northern communities, supporting long-term economic growth.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
