Tłı̨chǫ Highway Project
The Tłı̨chǫ Highway is a new highway that provides all-weather access from Highway 3 west of Yellowknife to the community of Whatì. The 97 km road opened to the public on November 30, 2021.
Construction Updates
Construction
- Construction of 97 kilometres 2 lane gravel road; La Martre, Caribou, James Creek, and Duport Bridges; Culverts, Guardrail and signage installation.
Jobs and Training
- Maximum number of workers employed at peak construction season: 276
- Total days of employment achieved: 91,355
- Hours of Tłı̨chǫ citizen training: 10,427
Timelines
- April 12, 2023 - final completion.
Map
PDF • 805.35KB • Nov 26, 2020
Timeline
March 20, 2017: A Request for Qualifications is issued.
September 13, 2017: Three proponents are announced to have qualified in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process.
December 5, 2017: A Request for Proposals is issued to the three proponents that were selected through the Request for Qualifications process.
October 26, 2018: An environmental assessment is completed. The regulatory and permitting phase begins.
November 13, 2018: The GNWT announces a preferred proponent.
September 2019: Construction starts.
November 30, 2021: The new Tłı̨chǫ Highway opens to the public.
About
- Two-lane gravel highway
- 97 kilometres in length
- Public-private partnership (P3)
- Capital cost of the project is $200 million
Project Highlights
- The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is working in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government to advance the project.
- The project is funded jointly by the Government of Canada (25%) and the Government of the Northwest Territories (75%).
- Replacing the southern section of the existing winter road will adapt to the impacts of climate change, provide uninterrupted access to Whatì and increase the winter road window-of-access to the communities of Gamètì and Wekweètì.
- Transportation efficiencies will reduce the cost of living for the region and embrace social opportunities.
- The capital ceiling in the Request for Proposals (RFP) is $200 million.
- All-weather access will attract further interest from industry in exploration and development of natural resources.
- Road construction and maintenance will result in significant employment and training opportunities for Tłı̨chǫ residents that support the development of a strong northern workforce.