The Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road saw 7,286 loads delivered to the diamond mines for a total of 247,618 tonnes from Jan. 30-March 29.

Another 9,294 tonnes of freight was taken back from the mines and other third-party users, bumping the overall tonnage to 257,176.

That's down from 8,300 loads and 304,685 tonnes in 2018, which was the third-busiest hauling season in the winter road's history.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road Joint Venture, formed by De Beers Canada, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. and Dominion Diamonds Inc.

The 600-km route was closed for a few days in March when unseasonably mild temperatures caused melting and damage to the route.

Mike Lowing is taking over from the retiring Ron Near as director of the Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road after Near's eight years at the helm.