The government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will be providing an additional US$3.6 million and the government of Canada will pay a further US$10.9 million towards completing the project.
In August 2021, the government of Canada had announced an investment of US$27.2 million in the project under the National Trade Corridors Fund. GNWT committed to providing US$9.1 million for the new bridge.
GNWT said that the increase is vital to address inflation and market escalations that have significantly added to costs beyond the available funding for projects both in the Northwest Territories and across Canada.
The new bridge will be immediately adjacent to the existing 63-year-old bridge. The Dehk’è Frank Channel bridge is part of Highway 3, the supply route from Southern Canada. Its replacement will be able to support heavier loads and wider and taller commodities, making the region more accessible.
Pre-construction activities such as material crushing and surveying are expected to start later this year. Pending regulatory approvals, major construction is expected to begin as early as next year.
GNWT said that it will take approximately three years from award of the design-build contract to obtain permits, carry out the design, complete construction and open the bridge to traffic.
