Canada invests $15 million in ongoing Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge replacement

OTTAWA — The Dehk’è Frank Channel bridge replacement project is getting a $20 million funding boost.

The Government of Canada has invested an additional $15 million in the project and the Government of the Northwest Territories an additional $5 million, states a news release.

The bridge is a vital component of the Highway 3 corridor, the only highway into the North Slave Region, Yellowknife and associated facilities.

Pre-construction on the project is expected to begin later this year with major construction expected in 2024.

The funding is needed to address inflationary costs and market escalations, the federal government writes in its release.

The new bridge will be able to support heavier loads and wider and taller commodities.

“This critical piece of infrastructure will support heavier material loads and larger commodities making the region more accessible and positioning our communities for robust economic opportunities,” said Jackson Lafferty, Tłıc̨ hǫ̨ Grand Chief, in the release.