Fort Providence (Apr 19/04) - If you live north of the Mackenzie River there's no way out, unless you learn to fly.

Now that the Mackenzie River ice bridge is closed, there may be as much as a three-week wait until the ice breaks to allow ferry service, says Bob Kelly, a spokesman for the Department of Transportation.

Kelly said the ferry crossing usually opens in mid-May.

As for other ice crossings, the Liard River and Ndulee ice bridges closed today (April 19) at 8 a.m. The bridges were reduced to one lane only and were in rough shape with water and slush on the surface.

Highway personnel inspected the crossings daily and invoked the 72-hour notice of closure on Friday.

Mackenzie Highway 1 is in fair condition, but motorists are advised to watch for men who may be working on the highway.