Yellowknife (Dec 10/03) - Christmas travellers have one less thing to worry about this year.

That's because the Mackenzie River ice crossing opened yesterday, making for the earliest start-up date in more than 10 years.

Trucks can still access the ferry from 6 a.m to midnight daily - NNSL file photo

"This is one of the best years in a long time for operations," says Les Shaw, director of marine services for the Department of Transportation.

Workers have been able to work on the ice crossing for a number of weeks due to an ice jam 5 km southeast of the ferry, near Ft. Providence. The crossing opened to light traffic under 4,000 kg, at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Heavy trucks, meanwhile, can still access the ferry from 6 a.m to midnight daily.

Shaw says the jam created a perfect situation, because the ice crossing can open while the ferry is still running downriver.

He doesn't expect any delays for travellers at all, as the ferry will continue to run until heavy traffic is allowed onto the ice.

"It means everybody that wants to travel with their family can get in and out with no problems," says Shaw.

Last year, the ferry was closed from Boxing Day to Dec. 30, delaying traffic for five days and causing Department of Transportation workers to work over the holidays.

The five year average opening is Dec. 26. The earliest the crossing has ever opened to light traffic is Nov. 28 in 1990. In 2001/2002, the crossing didn't open to light traffic until Jan. 22.

The Department of Transportation expects that the separate, parallel ice road for heavy traffic up to 64,000 kg, will open in early January.