Despite complications created by COVID-19, the goal to have Whati connected to the NWT highway system as of the end of November remains within target and on budget at $185 million, according to the GNWT.

Embankment construction is complete along the 97-km route, three out of four bridges are in place and 45 km of gravel surfacing is done.

Work is expected to resume on May 24, following a Dec. 15 seasonal shutdown.

After the emergence of Covid-19 last year, adjustments included a six-week pause, social distancing at the construction site, reorganizing the camp, bringing in a full-time nurse and travel restrictions.

Nevertheless, construction project manager Bruno Pigeon, with project-lead Kiewit Canada Development Corp., said the project is on pace for opening on Nov. 30.

SA国际影视传媒淚t's something we really proud of,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e're very happy with where we are with the progress of the job.SA国际影视传媒�

Pigeon said the partnership formed by entities involved in the project SA国际影视传媒� including the Tlicho Government, which has taken a 20 per cent ownership stake in the $412-million, 28-year highway construction and maintenance contract SA国际影视传媒� is one of the best he's seen.

SA国际影视传媒淚t really contributed to the success of the job, especially going through the difficult times with the COVID pandemic,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

The maximum number of workers on site to date was 276, of whom 128 SA国际影视传媒� or 46 per cent SA国际影视传媒� were Tlicho or NWT residents.

Pigeon anticipates a gradual ramp up later this spring with 40-50 employees resuming work in late May. That number will peak at approximately 125 this year. Close to 20 pieces of equipment will be on site, such as a 35-tonne and 50-tonne excavators, D-6 and D-8 bulldozers, a graders, haul trucks, water trucks and compactors.

The gravel, or aggregate, is being produced locally from rock that was blasted and crushed, or from quarries. The surface layer of compacted gravel is approximately 200 mm in depth, lying across nearly nine metres of road, wide enough for two lanes.

The remoteness of the project means greater forethought is required, according to Pigeon.

SA国际影视传媒淚t makes the planning so much more important to have all the resources that we need, to have our materials,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Weather is another variable that can have serious impacts, particularly during the winter of 2019-20 when the crews carried on work through January and February.

SA国际影视传媒淭he North is a whole different world,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭he cold weather is a bit more difficult on the equipment but also on the people.SA国际影视传媒�

There is some permafrost and seasonal frost along the route and it's important that the thaw is completed before the final stretch of gravel is in place to avoid SA国际影视传媒渟urprisesSA国际影视传媒� later on, said Pigeon.

Another consideration is to ensure nearby waterways are not contaminated. The Department of Lands sends inspectors for scheduled and surprise checkups to ensure environmental compliance.

In the legislative assembly on March 10, Infrastructure Minister Diane Archie said the Tlicho highway SA国际影视传媒渞epresents a true collaborationSA国际影视传媒� between the Community Government of Whati, the Tlicho Government, Kiewit Canada Development Corporation, the federal government, and the GNWT.

SA国际影视传媒淚t is an example of how infrastructure on Northwest Territories Indigenous territory can be carried out. The Tlicho highway runs through Tlicho lands, and the Tlicho Government's 20-per -cent-equity ownership in North Star Infrastructure is reflective of this important fact,SA国际影视传媒� said Archie. SA国际影视传媒淭his highway has been a positive step towards reconciliation, and we will take lessons learned to apply to future projects ... Increasing access to Tlicho communities will help reduce the cost of living in the region and support new social opportunities, while also attracting interest from industry in the exploration and development of natural resources.SA国际影视传媒�