Current Press Releases

Operations of the Louis Cardinal ferry, which crosses the Arctic Red River on Highway 8 (the Dempster Highway), are expected to end for the season as early as noon on Sunday, October 25. Until the season ends, the ferry is operating on a 24 hour per day basis. This will be the first closure of the 2009 ferry season.

Depending on weather conditions, Highway 8 ferry service over the Peel River near Fort McPherson (Abraham Francis) will close early in the week of October 25. Highway 1 ferry service crossing the Mackenzie River near Fort Simpson (Lafferty) and at the N’Dulee Mackenzie River Crossing (Johnny Berens) could close by mid-week the week of October 25.

The five year average closing date for the Louis Cardinal ferry is October 26, for the Abraham Francis ferry is October 25, for the Lafferty ferry is November 3, and for the Louis Cardinal ferry is October 25.

The ferry on Highway 3 crossing the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence (Merv Hardie) is operating normally. The 5 year average closing date for the Merv Hardie is January 19. However, weather and ice conditions can cause early short term or seasonal closures with little or no notice.

All drivers are advised to use extra caution on ferry approaches, which can be slippery, particularly in snow or ice conditions.

Up-to-date information on the status of NWT public highways and ferry crossings is available on the department’s toll-free line at 1-800-661-0750 and on its website at www.dot.gov.nt.ca.

For more information, contact:

Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
Tel: (867) 873-7712