Transport Canada has initiated the second phase of the Northwest Territories (NWT) Transportation Monitoring Programme and the extension of research activities along established test sites.

This monitoring programme focuses the effects on transportation infrastructure and permafrost due to climate change.

Canada Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said: “We are committed to the development of Canada's northern transportation system and I am pleased to contribute to this research project in the North.

"The Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative facilitates better and more integrated transportation planning and adaptation measures, which ultimately helps Canadians understand the effects of climate change in the North."

“Climate change has an important impact on northern roads and airport runways built on permafrost, and on the safety of Arctic marine vessels and operations.

“The Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative facilitates better and more integrated transportation planning and adaptation measures, which ultimately helps Canadians understand the effects of climate change in the North.”

The data from the monitoring programme will be used by the NWT Government for the future transportation projects and it will be beneficial for design, construction and maintenance phases.

Government of the Northwest Territories Minister of Transportation Wally Schumann said: “Innovation, research and development are essential in finding better ways to deal with the ever increasing impacts of climate change on northern infrastructure.

“This project will give us the chance to collect data and monitor the use of new technologies in the upcoming years, to better design and plan for the impact of a changing climate.”

The government of Canada is providing C$560,700 ($434,752) over the next two years from the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative (NTAI) for this second phase of the NWT Transportation Monitoring Program.

The government of NWT is providing the remaining amount, for a total project cost of C$747,600 ($579,669).