SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Recent warm weather isn't expected to result in early closure of the Mackenzie River ice crossing near Fort Providence, although it has forced traffic restrictions on other crossings.

Temperatures in Yellowknife and Fort Providence have been unseasonably high this week. The capital has recorded above average temperatures, including a record-breaking 3 C on Wednesday, while the mercury in Fort Providence soared to 6 C, also a record.

"Every year we have warm periods and then it dips back to 40 below," said Earl Blacklock, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation.

"This is typical weather for spring. There is enough ice to keep the (Mackenzie River) crossing open."

The Tlicho winter roads to Whati and Gameti have been restricted to night travel only since Wednesday due to prolonged warm weather and deteriorating conditions.

Blacklock said the restrictions will remain in place depending on how long the warm temperatures last and how cold it gets at night.

Blacklock said the department doesn't anticipate any other changes. Due to the warm weather Nuna Logistics is ordering transport trucks to travel only at night on the Tibbitt-to-Contwoyto winter road. He said four vehicles are heading to the diamond mines every 20 minutes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

"Once we get some cold weather we will be back in operation," said David Madder, spokesperson for Nuna logistics. "Right now we're pushing to do night driving."

Madder said all the company can do is watch the weather.

"It's only common sense if your portages get washed out you don't ride on them."

The Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists driving on the Tibbitt road to be careful.

"The main issue is with the larger vehicles they deteriorate the ice surface, and it can get rutted from smaller vehicles," said Blacklock.

- with files from Jeanne Gagnon