The winter road systems in Manitoba are basic access routes to remote northern communities and have no alignment standards. There are no posted speed limit signs and the recommended speed limit for vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of seven tonnes or greater is 15 km/h on all ice roads. Winter roads are constructed on the natural terrain of the land and ice. They cross muskeg, rock ridges, streams, rivers and lakes. The road surface can get worse quickly due to changes in the weather. The chance of a collision increases if you don’t drive according to the road conditions.

Here are some safety tips and information to help reduce the hazards when operating a vehicle on winter roads:

• Travel is not approved until a section officially opens. No regular inspection or maintenance is provided along the route before opening or after closing, increasing the potential risk to drivers. (A 24-hour voice report for winter road information to access remote isolated northern Manitoba communities is available by calling Highway Information Services at 204–945–3704 or toll-free 1–877–627–6237.)
• The road surface is packed snow or ice and the stopping distance of all vehicles is longer than on land roads. As a driver, you should be travelling at a speed that will allow you to safely slow down or stop if you come upon a hazard or approaching vehicle.
• Winter roads are primarily used by heavy truck traffic delivering fuel, freight, groceries, machinery and building products. The contractor’s maintenance equipment is slow moving and can pose hazards on blind corners. The season may be shortened due to weather conditions and the traffic volumes may increase. Night travel is recommended for better visibility of traffic.
• Ice road failures, sudden storms, ground drifting and whiteout conditions preventing travel can occur in subzero temperatures. Wilderness survival training and ice road driving courses are recommended.
• Passing or meeting other vehicles should be done with great care because swirling snow can reduce visibility
• The results of an unexpected delay, breakdown or collision when travelling in an isolated area can be life threatening if you are not prepared. It may take a long time for help to arrive if there’s trouble. Proper clothing, personal medication, fuel to reach your destination, vehicle and survival equipment, cellular or satellite phone and/or Citizen Band communication are recommended for every vehicle travelling on the winter road system.
• Always let someone at your destination know when you expect to arrive prior to starting your trip.
• Environmental guidelines require road users to be responsible for their own abandoned vehicle and garbage removal.