The federal and territorial governments are giving the Tlicho Government a total of $57.5 million to replace the Frank Channel (DehkSA国际影视传媒檈) Bridge.

NWT MP Michael McLeod announced the additional funding while visiting the legislative assembly on Thursday.

In 2021, the federal government said it would contribute $37.5 million to the project, but that money never flowed. An additional $15 million contribution to the project from Ottawa was announced on March 9 alongside the GNWTSA国际影视传媒檚 $5 million contribution.

The 60-year-old bridge connects Highway 3, the supply route from southern Canada, to the North Slave region, mines and mineral development areas.

SA国际影视传媒淭his project is essential to ensure communities in the Northwest Territories remain connected,SA国际影视传媒� said McLeod. SA国际影视传媒淭he new bridge will also support economic development opportunities within the territories.

SA国际影视传媒淟arger carrying capabilities will enable the important export of commodities with increased fluidity.SA国际影视传媒�

According to the TlichoSA国际影视传媒檚 news release, it will take approximately three years before the new bridge will be open to traffic.

Pre-construction preparations are expected to take place later this year, according to the Tlicho Government.

Binay Yadav, director of transportation for the Department of Infrastructure, said it would have cost $30 million to refurbish the bridge, an option that was being considered during the pandemic.

Diane Archie, minister of Infrastructure, was also present during the announcement.

SA国际影视传媒淭he DehkSA国际影视传媒檈 Frank Channel Bridge is a key piece of infrastructure of the Northwest TerritoriesSA国际影视传媒� highway system,SA国际影视传媒� Archie stated. SA国际影视传媒淚nvestment into this project is of great importance to Tlicho residents, the Tlicho Government and to the GNWT, and we can all agree that we are eager for it to get underway.SA国际影视传媒�