http://www.jvtcwinterroad.ca/jvwr/ Choose 2012 update:

In short, main road open but Tyhee route not yet.

The TCWR season officially opened at 8:00AM, January 27th, 2012. All loaded lanes were open with a minimum ice thickness was 28”. A gradual build-up of traffic was implemented with a targeted volume of four (4) trucks dispatched ever four (4) hour for the first operational day, for a total of 24 loads. The second day traffic volume was four (4) trucks dispatched every two (2) hours for a total of 48 loads. The targeted number of loads for the two day period was 72 north bound loads. Total number of loads dispatched for the first day was 18 north bound loads. The second day load count is to be confirmed.

Speed limits for loaded traffic and Hot Shots remains 25kms/hour or as posted.

The majority of express lanes have been cleared and all expected to be open to empty southbound traffic within the next few days. Express lanes that are opening will be clearly identified with appropriate roadway signage.

EBA geometric survey is currently ongoing.

Secondary Route - Prosperous Lake to Gibbs Lake

Ice profiling continued this week, with 3 line profile completed on this section. Prosperous to Giauque now has recorded centre line of 22”minimum, most of the left and right are sides 21” minimum with a few small sections at 19”.

Flood crews have continued target flooded low ice sections from Clan to Giauque. Final portage construction started this week and has progressed from P70 on Prosperous to P75 at Quyta.

Ploughing of lakes to full width from Smoky to Gibb was completed. Ice profiling continued this week. 3 line profiling of Giauque and Thistlethwaite shows recorded minimum of 27”. Recorded centre line from Smoky to Gibb has minimums of 19”. Ponds north of Smoky to Gibb have minimums 15 to 17” on left and right sides.

Flood crews have concentrated target flooding on the ponds north of Smoky and Gibb lake. Final portage construction started this week and has progressed from P108 at Gibbs to P104 on Smoky.