Redknife River Bridge now open to traffic on Highway 1, says GNWT

Construction on the Redknife River Bridge has reached a point that the bridge is now in use.

Traffic will be limited to one lane while finishing work is completed. Remaining site work is expected to come to an end in 2027.

The GNWT announced major completion of the project on Sept. 23.

The new span is located roughly 181 km southeast of Fort Simpson and 30 km southeast of Sambaa Deh Territorial Park.

According to the GNWT, the bridge replaced three existing culverts, constructed in 1971, at the river crossing. The culverts were structurally sound, but erosion and water level changes created conditions periodically preventing fish from passing upstream. The GNWT says the new bridge will better facilitate changing water levels and restore year-round fish passage for migratory species.

Gahcho Kue diamond mine provided $9.5 million to the project as “fish habitat compensation,” but the GNWT will own and be responsible for the project’s ongoing maintenance.

Infrastructure Minister Vince McKay called the completion of the project a great example of government and industry working together.

“This new bridge improves transportation infrastructure, supports year-round fish passage and strengthens the resilience of Highway 1 for NWT residents and visitors,” said McKay.

Shane Thompson, MLA for Nahendeh, where the bridge is located, celebrated the project.

“This new bridge is an important improvement for the people who use Highway 1,” he said. “This showcases another improvement by the GNWT on this section of highway that helps connect our residents and businesses, while improving fish habitat. I am pleased to see this project completed and am looking forward to using it in the future.”

Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian emphasized the importance of the bridge’s role in protecting traditional ways of life.

“The Redknife River Bridge is about protecting the fish and the water,” said Norwegian. “For a long time, fish were not able to move freely up and down the river, and we are glad to see that the new bridge has restored that natural flow.”

Norwegian also celebrated the historic significance of the bridge.

“At the mouth of the river is a place where thousands of Dene gathered generations ago for an important ceremony marking the coming of a new world,” he said. “We are honoured to see the river returned to a more natural state, with free-flowing water that connects this important place to the land, the people who came before us and those who will come after us.”