Dempster Highway reopens on Yukon side, but Peel River ferry still out

Highways workers have reopened theYukon portion of the Dempster Highway according to the government road information website, Yukon 511.

But that won't be much help for travellers heading to or coming from the Mackenzie Delta area.

The ferry crossing at the Peel River on the Northwest Territories' sideof the Dempster Highway is closed, said Ioana Spiridonicawith the N.W.T.Department of Transportation in Yellowknife.

"Before we can open the ferry again for public service, the water levels need to recede by at least another metre so we can work on fixing the landing," Spiridonica said.

The Dempster Highway had been closed since heavy rains last Wednesday washed out several sections of the road.

Clint Ireland,director of Yukon's Transportation Maintenance branch, said earlier today Yukon crews workednon-stop to repair the washouts.

Yukon's road conditionssite cautions that there are many rough sections on the highway, as well as wet, icy conditions near the Northwest Territories border.