North

Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link construction complete

Construction of a communications fibre optic line along the Mackenzie Valley was finished two weeks ago, the N.W.T. government announced Tuesday.

After testing, fibre optic communication line expected to be up and running by June

Workers install a portion of the Mackenzie Valley fibre optic line during the 2015 construction season. The last two splices were installed March 16, 2017.

Construction of a communications fibre optic line along the Mackenzie Valley has been completed, the N.W.T. government announced Tuesday.

The last two splice locations were installed March 16.

The Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link runs 1,154 kilometres from McGill Lake, 80 kilometres south of Fort Simpson, to Inuvik.

Construction of the communications line began about two years ago. It was initially expected to be completed by the summer of 2016, but the project faced challenges.

Several subcontractors left the project citing logistical challenges, harsh working conditions and disorganization.

With construction completed, the line will now be performance tested before it begins service. It's expected to be operational by June 1.