Location: km 243.8, Highway 3
The GNWT is replacing the Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge to make travel safer, support more traffic, and allow larger and heavier loads to move north to nearby communities and the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province.
About the Project
The current bridge was built in 1960 and is still safe to use. However, its overhead truss limits how large or tall vehicles can be, which makes it harder to move oversized loads for housing, construction, and industrial projects.
A new bridge will be built just north of the existing one. It will be about 200 metres long and include:
- Two lanes (one in each direction)
- A separate path for pedestrians and cyclists
- Improved safety and efficiency for all users
The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in fall 2027, and the old bridge will be removed by fall 2028.
During construction, traffic will still be able to move through the area safely with traffic controls in place.
Project Funding and Partners
This project is supported through the National Trade Corridors Fund, with a $52.5 million contribution from the Government of Canada.
The Tłı̨chǫ–Kiewit General Partnership (TKGP) has been awarded the construction contract for $120.7 million.
Project Status
Work is underway on the Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge Replacement Project. Early construction activities have begun, including mobilizing equipment, preparing the site, and setting up the work camp. Design work is progressing alongside these preparations, with full construction to follow once permitting and regulatory approvals are finalized.
Progress to Date
- Road materials have been produced by Tłı̨chǫ Engineering and Environmental Services.
- The design and construction contracts were awarded to the Tłı̨chǫ–Kiewit General Partnership (TKGP).
- A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Behchokǫ̀ on October 24, 2025 to mark the start of the project.