Fort Providence (Apr 14/06) - People who drive across the Mackenzie River ice crossing at Fort Providence for the long Easter weekend might not be able to return the same way.

Slush and water has already caused the surface of the ice crossing to become rough and rutted. As a result the crossing was closed to cars and other small vehicles with low clearance on April 12.

"I'm not comfortable that we'll be able to make it through the long weekend," said Art Barnes, the South Slave regional superintendent for the Department of Transportation.

The current weather forecast suggests a gentle meltdown over the next few days, but Barnes said that can turn around quickly.

It only takes several consecutive days of double digit temperatures in the 10C to 15C range to finish the bridge, especially if it's not cold enough at night to refreeze and heal the damage, said Barnes.

"It's really up to what nature gives us for temperatures," said Barnes.

Once river water starts to build up along the shoreline, the whole crossing starts to melt. Holes develop in the ice which fill up with water, and things steadily get worse.

A combination of the slush and water closes the road, said Barnes.

Graders have been pushing the slush off the road two or three times a day.

Late in the afternoon is the worst time to travel, said Barnes. Motorists are advised to drive slowly and carefully.

The department will try to provide 48 hours of notice before the crossing is completely closed.

"We just try to keep people safe," he said.

This year warm weather has affected both the opening and the closing of the ice bridge. The opening for the high load limit was delayed two weeks because warm temperatures in December and January limited natural ice development.

High temperatures also mean the crossing will not reach the average closing dates of April 17 or 18, said Barnes.

The Liard River ice crossing at Fort Simpson is also starting to show signs of deterioration. There is some surface melt, said Rod Gunderson, the district superintendent of highway operations.

Early in the morning the ice crossing is clear, but it can get rough by the late afternoon, said Gunderson.

"It's hanging in there," he said.

Gunderson thinks both the Liard River and the Ndulee crossings may remain open until April 22, the date both closed last year.

Usually 48-72 hours notice is given before the crossing closes to light traffic, said Gunderson.

This year, the crossing has been right in the middle of opening and closing records set in previous years.