Highway from Alberta to N.W.T. reopened for 'essential and emergency services'

The highway leading from High Level, Alta., into the Northwest Territories remains closed to the public, but is open to commercial carriers, the Alberta government has confirmed.

A wildfire has forced the closure of Highway 35 in Alberta which becomes Highway 1 at the Northwest Territoriesborder between High Level and Enterprise, N.W.T., since Tuesday afternoon. The highway is the only road directly linking the Northwest Territories and Alberta and is an important route for freight and goods.

• As highway closure continues, CN Rail confirms Steen River railway bridge has burned

On Thursday morning, 511 Alberta, which is responsible for the Alberta government's official road reports, tweeted that the highway has been opened to commercial carriers.

On Wednesday it was confirmed that the firenear Steen River, Alta., had burned down a railway bridge leading into the territory.

Canada Post said Wednesday that mail deliveries into the territory had also been held up due to the closure.On Thursday, Canada Post confirmed that the trucks carrying mail into the N.W.T. areen route to Yellowknife.

The highway remains closed south of High Level. The N.W.T. government's infrastructure department is suggesting residents follow its Twitter account for updates.