By Brent Bosker

Northern ice road finished

Feb 18, 2011 | 10:50 AM

A vital transportation route for some communities in the far north is now open.

The 46 kilometre Wollaston Lake Ice Road was opened to traffic late Thursday afternoon.

Dan Palmer, with the Ministry of Highways, said crews encountered some challenges getting the road ready this year.

“They had some issues with ice cracking and slush which does happen when you’re in that kind of construction.”

It's not that uncommon for the road to open this late into February, Palmer said.

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The opening of the seasonal road is good news for the community which relies on a summer barge and airplanes to transport supplies in.

Ed Benoanie, a councillor with the Hatchet Lake First Nation said without the road the community was facing a higher cost of fuel.

“Right now (fuel) is a $1.52 a litre. Once you start flying that stuff in you go over $2 a litre.” he said.

The ice road links the community of Wollaston Lake and area with Highway 905.

The road typically remains open well into March, depending on the weather and the thickness of the ice.

bbosker@panow.com