Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 09/06) - Some people in the region have gone against the warnings of authorities, and have been driving on an unfinished winter road.

The east channel of the Mackenzie River connects the communities of Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.

According to the Department of Transportation's website, the ice roads are usually open to light traffic by Dec. 21.

This year has been unseasonably warm, and now in the first week of January, the roads are nearly ready to go.

Gurdev Jagpal, regional superintendent for the transportation department, said the road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk should be open this week.

"The ice is still too thin. The road is not ready yet," said Jagpal.

The roads were still closed last week, so people in Aklavik and Tuk started to make the trip themselves, against the warning of police.

Dennis Raddi of Tuktoyaktuk arrived in Inuvik last Monday, and planned to do some shopping and return home the next day.

"It was a rough stretch of trail near the end coming into Inuvik," said Raddi. "It was about 10 kilometres long."

When asked why he would risk such a trip, Raddi said that the cost of living in Tuk is very high, and the people of the coastal community usually do their Christmas shopping in Inuvik.

"It's just cheaper that way," added Raddi.

Although most people didn't make it to Inuvik in time for Christmas, they are relieved to know the road is opening.

Raddi added that the late freeze-up this year made the ice very rough, and that the road crews, loaders and graders will most likely do a lot of work to make the road more comfortable.

Jagpal knows the ice is still too thin, and needs to be graded and plowed before the public should go on the ice.

Gurdev's concern is shared by police, who agree that usage of the channel is not safe. Staff Sgt. Sid Gray had warnings for people who decided to brave the ice, and trek to Inuvik.

"Use it at your own risk, I really think these people are just tempting fate," said Gray.

"I just don't think it's safe."