Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Sep 13/02) - Those coming and going from Fort Simpson and Fort Liard are relishing the smoothest rides in memory now that a $3.77-million chip seal program is nearly complete.

Wayne McKay, owner of Checkpoint, a popular gas bar, restaurant and motel at the junction of the Mackenzie Highway and Liard Trail, said motorists have been quite complimentary of the roads lately.

"Generally speaking I think it's been very positive -- 'Sure is nice not to have to deal with the mud,' and things like that. It's been pretty upbeat," said McKay, who hopes the improved road will also entice more customers from Fort Simpson to make the 62-kilometre trip to his business.

There is still some road repair work left to be done, according to Les Shaw, regional superintendent of transportation.

"There are some areas that have failed. That happens with chip seal all the time," Shaw said, adding that the section from the ferry landing into Fort Simpson -- approximately 20 kilometres that was originally chip sealed a few years ago -- will be redone entirely over the next week or two.

Done properly, chip seal is applied in multiple coats.

The first layer generally lasts two to three years, according to Shaw.

He admitted the process is expensive, especially in the initial stages, because some sections of the road must be built up. However, there is a savings to be realized, he said.

"It saves everybody in the territories money: all the (government) departments, all the businesses, the private traveller; just the (reduction of) wear and tear on your vehicle more than anything," he said.

"Plus we save in maintenance because we're not having to crush gravel and we don't have to replace gravel. We have to buy some different equipment, but that's about it."

One concern relating to the new chip seal is some drivers' penchant for excessive speed. Shaw said the Department of Transportation may look at raising the speed limit to 100 km/h in some areas, but nothing more than that.

RCMP Sgt. Bill Eubank noted that the RCMP and Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement of the speed limit.