The Tłı̨chǫ Highway is a 120 kilometre (approximately 75 mi) gravel road in the Northwest Territories, Canada, that provides a direct land connection between the Yellowknife Highway (Northwest Territories Highway 1) and the Tłı̨chǫ community of Behchokǫ̀ (formerly known as Rae). The highway serves as a critical transportation corridor for the Tłı̨chǫ First Nation and neighboring settlements, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services within the region.
Route description
- Southern terminus: Intersection with Highway 1 (Yellowknife Highway) near the hamlet of Enterprise.
- Northern terminus: Behchokǫ̀, situated on the Mackenzie River about 300 km north of Yellowknife.
- The road traverses boreal forest, muskeg, and permafrost terrain typical of the sub‑arctic environment. Seasonal variations, including spring thaw and winter snow, affect travel conditions.
Construction and opening
- Planning for a permanent road link to Behchokǫ̀ began in the early 2000s, driven by the desire to improve year‑round accessibility and reduce reliance on air transport.
- Construction was carried out in stages, with the majority of earthworks, grading, and drainage installations completed between 2017 and 2020.
- The highway officially opened to public traffic in late 2020, after successful completion of safety inspections and environmental monitoring.
Economic and social impact
- The highway has lowered transportation costs for freight and passenger travel, supporting local businesses, tourism, and the delivery of essential goods.
- It enables better access to health care, education, and government services for residents of Behchokǫ̀ and outlying communities.
- The road contributes to regional development initiatives led by the Tłı̨chǫ Government in partnership with the territorial and federal governments.
Maintenance and future developments
- The Northwest Territories Department of Infrastructure is responsible for routine maintenance, including grading, snow removal, and surface repairs.
- Plans have been discussed to pave sections of the highway and to extend secondary routes toward other Tłı̨chǫ settlements, though detailed timelines and funding allocations remain under review.
Naming
- The name “Tłı̨chǫ” reflects the language and cultural identity of the Tłı̨chǫ First Nation, whose traditional territory the highway traverses. The orthography uses diacritics to represent specific phonetic features of the Tłı̨chǫ language.
See also
- Yellowknife Highway (Northwest Territories Highway 1)
- Transport in the Northwest Territories
- Tłı̨chǫ Government
References
- Northwest Territories Department of Infrastructure, project reports (2017‑2021).
- Tłı̨chǫ Government press releases, 2020.
Note: Information reflects data available up to 2023; subsequent developments may not be included.