The 900-kilometre system starts at Wrigley and services Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope, with branches to Colville Lake and Deline.

Last year, with ideal construction conditions, the road was open to light traffic on Dec. 18. This year, mild weather and a lack of snow delayed construction in the south until early January.

"The northern end -- Norman Wells to Fort Good Hope and Fort Good Hope to Colville Lake -- is open now," said Les Shaw, regional supervisor for the Department of Highways, Roads and Bridges in Fort Simpson.

"At the southern end (just north of Wrigley) we didn't get started on construction until January 3 because we didn't have the snow to build it with.

"We expect now that the entire system will be open for light traffic by January 20. It could be earlier or it could be a couple of days later, depending on the weather."

Sections from Norman Wells to Fort Good Hope, and Fort Good Hope to Colville Lake opened earlier due to the participation of exploration firms working out of Norman Wells, said Shaw.

"Two firms with equipment in Norman Wells contributed to the construction or otherwise the north end wouldn't be open yet either. It was important for them to get those roads open as early as possible.

"Both firms had fuel and supplies stockpiled in Norman Wells for an early start," said Shaw.

A Jan. 20 opening doesn't present a re-supply problem for the communities or companies serviced by the road, he said.

"Fuel and construction supplies are the main items and at this point I'm not worried. I'm pretty confident we'll be in business by the 20th."