Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 07/00) - Due to colder conditions some of the ice roads in the region will stay open longer than originally thought.

A department of transportation road report issued Thursday said the Mckenzie River ice crossing and the Dettah ice road will be open to all traffic until further notice.

"But the (Mackenzie) crossing is in rough condition," the department warned in a press release.

"There is slush and water on the surface and watch out for potholes."

The Mackenzie River ice crossing at Fort Providence is open to vehicles weighing over 64,000 kilograms.

The Dettah winter road is open to smaller vehicles but limited to those weighing no less than 48,000 kilograms.

The Lupin ice road, a private road used largely by Robinson Trucking Ltd. to haul equipment to mining companies, was said to be closed April 5 by an Echo Bay Mines Ltd. spokesperson.

Janet Robinson of Robinson Trucking said Thursday a few company trucks were still making their way southward but the road should be cleared this weekend.

According to Environment Canada temperatures will rise to a high of -3 C by Monday.