Yellowknife (Dec 13/06) - Having opened on Dec. 7, the ice road is open five weeks earlier than the five-year average, according to a Department of Transportation spokesperson.

Typically the crossing opens around mid-January, said Bob Kelly, manager of public affairs with the department.

Last year the ice road opened on Feb. 3, with the typical date being Jan. 22.

"This year we're well ahead of schedule," Kelly said.

Although the ferry is still operational, service is expected to be disrupted on Wednesday and Thursday so the vessel's rudder can be repaired, Kelly noted.

Low water levels have led to a few mechanical issues this year, he acknowledged.

"There have been a couple of incidences where the rudder has brushed the bottom," Kelly said.

Ben Walker, general manager of the Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-Op, was relieved to hear the ice crossing opened early.

"It's always a concern," he said of ferry closures and ice bridge delays. "You can't stockpile (merchandise) for that long. You're never safe until the ferry comes out of the water," he said.

Walker said that typically the springtime is the main concern, as trucks normally can't make it through for weeks at a time.

"In the spring you can plan for it," he said.

Kelly said that crews will continue to build up the ice on the road.

This involves flooding the area along the shores until it's strong enough to hold a large pump.

The pump is then hauled out, a hole is drilled in the ice and water is shot into the air.

Kelly said that this means crews can increase the thickness of the ice on either end of the shore, and then they work their way into the middle, taking careful measurements as they go.

"They started a few weeks ago. The crews have done a great job this year," he said.

With the ice road being open to loads up to 5,000 kilograms, the ferry is now devoted to shuttling heavy trucks across the river, Kelly said.