By Douglas Kuluk
The Changing North
For most people, a road is just a road. But for those of us living and working in Canada’s North, an ice road is a lifeline. These frozen highways connect remote communities, supply mining operations, and deliver food, fuel, and medicine that would otherwise be impossible—or extremely costly—to transport. For decades, we have relied on the predictability of long, cold winters to build these roads. But in recent years, the climate has been telling us a different story. Warmer winters, unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles, and thinner ice have all made ice road engineering more complex and more urgent.
As an engineer who has spent more than 20 years building and maintaining ice roads, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things are changing. The challenge before us is clear: if ice roads are to remain a viable part of northern life, we need to adapt, innovate, and reimagine the way we build them.
Shorter Seasons, Bigger Challenges
The first thing we’ve noticed is the shrinking season. Twenty years ago, we could often count on ice roads being open for three to four months. Now, in some areas, we’re lucky if they last two months. This shorter window puts incredible pressure on communities and industries to move everything they need before the thaw. It also increases risks, since thinner ice means heavier loads must sometimes be moved faster than the conditions allow.
For many communities, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s about survival. Without affordable road access, the cost of food, heating fuel, and medical supplies skyrockets. For industries, particularly mining and energy, delays or failures in transportation can mean millions of dollars lost. The stakes are high, and that’s why engineers like me are focused on finding solutions.
Blending Traditional Knowledge and Modern Tools
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this field is that modern technology alone cannot solve these problems. Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers have been reading the land and ice for generations. Their insights into freeze patterns, wind behavior, and safe travel routes often catch details that technology misses. By combining this knowledge with advanced tools like satellite imaging, ground-penetrating radar, and real-time climate monitoring, we can build safer and more reliable roads.
For example, before we even put trucks on the ice, radar helps us understand thickness variations across a lake or river. Meanwhile, satellite data shows us how early or late the freeze-up begins. But an elder walking the same stretch of ice may notice subtle changes in the snow cover or the way water flows beneath the surface. Bringing these perspectives together creates a stronger foundation for decision-making.
Innovations in Ice Road Engineering
Technology has allowed us to push the limits of what’s possible. For instance, we’re experimenting with systems that pump water onto the road surface to build up ice thickness more quickly. This allows us to open routes earlier and sustain them longer. Climate models also help us predict when roads might become unsafe, allowing us to plan shipments more efficiently.
But the real breakthroughs are happening in alternative transportation solutions. Modular floating roadways, hybrid winter-summer supply routes, and even drone-based deliveries are becoming part of the conversation. While these can’t fully replace ice roads yet, they provide a glimpse of what the future may hold. For now, though, innovation in ice road design remains one of the most cost-effective and practical solutions for the North.
Climate Adaptation Is About People
It’s easy to get caught up in the technical side of engineering, but at the end of the day, ice roads are about people. They are about ensuring a family in a northern community can afford groceries, that a school has access to books and supplies, and that elders can get medical care without the burden of extreme costs. They are about giving industries a fair chance to thrive while respecting the land that sustains us all.
When I talk about climate adaptation, I’m not just talking about roads. I’m talking about building resilience for entire communities. Every time we strengthen an ice road, we strengthen the ability of people to live and grow in the North.
Looking Ahead
The future of ice roads is uncertain, but it’s not hopeless. Yes, climate change is reshaping the very foundation of our work. But as engineers, problem-solvers, and collaborators, we have the tools to adapt. It may mean shorter seasons and higher costs. It may mean experimenting with alternatives. But it also means embracing innovation, respecting traditional knowledge, and never losing sight of the human side of this work.
I often tell my students and younger colleagues that ice roads are more than just frozen water—they are symbols of resilience. They show what is possible when communities and engineers work together against the odds. While the climate may challenge us, it also pushes us to be better, smarter, and more creative.
As long as there are communities in the North who rely on these roads, there will be engineers like me working to keep them open and safe. The future of ice roads may look different than it did in the past, but I believe it’s a future we can build—one season at a time.