DAWSON CITY – The ice bridge that connects downtown Dawson with the residents across the Yukon River has entered its fully functional phase.

The first phase was the DIY (do it yourself) trail, which locals began to use on foot and with light vehicles about four days after the river ice stopped moving on Remembrance Day.

This event took most people by surprise after three winters of that traditional ferry landing to ferry landing route failing to freeze.

The Yukon government’s contractor, Big Ice, was hired to improve that early route and did so over the next several weeks.

The result is that this trail, with a maximum load capacity of 5,000 kg, was declared officially open on Dec. 23.

What had begun as a route for walkers, snow machines and ATVs was carrying light vehicles by the end of November.

The next part of the process, as explained by Jim Regimbal, the north area supervisor at the Department of Highways and Public Works, was to have Big Ice create a wider, thicker route.

It was planned to eventually be 100 cm or 40 inches thick and be able to support 35,000 kg, allowing larger vehicles to cross the river.

Regimbal confirmed Tuesday that this route is now open for use and should be the preferred crossing, the original trail having been barricaded at both ends.

On this day, it had been dusted with some new fallen snow, the side effect of Dawson emerging from nearly two weeks of being in a -36 to -47 C deep freeze.

By that evening, it was a mere minus 19, and snow had been wafting down much of the day.

For its inaugural traffic, the maximum weight has been increased to 27,000 kg.

Drivers are enjoined to drive no faster than 15 km/h or 10 m.p.h. to avoid creating pressure waves below the ice that could weaken it. They are also instructed to spread out, keeping 200 metres between vehicles.

Regimbal agrees that it’s nice to have the ice bridge back in service after three years of unofficial and much longer DIY crossings.

The situation was updated this morning, when the Yukon government announced the 40-metre-wide lane is suitable for vehicles and loads up to 40,000 kilograms – a higher figure than what locals are promoting.

It has been certified as safe for use by Associated Engineering’s NOR-EX and Big Ice, the government said in a statement.

They have also provided ice training to the maintenance crew in Dawson, who will continue to maintain the crossing into the spring.

“The Dawson City ice bridge is now fully functional for both light and heavy traffic,” said Richard Mostyn, the minister of Highways and Public Works.

“I want to thank the contractors for their great work on the bridge and residents of Dawson City for their patience through the process.”

Vehicles crossing the ice bridge should travel in the centre of their designated lane, without stopping or parking on the ice bridge, the government added.

“This marks the first time since the winter of 2015-16 that a certified crossing has been completed at the traditional location,” the statement said.