Ice road moves south toward Hwy 11

People from communities on the James Bay Coast could soon be able to drive south.

Work crews are constructing the last section of a winter road that will connect Moose Factory to Smooth Rock Falls — and the provincial highway system.

The executive director for the Moose Cree First Nation in Moose Factory said he thinks the option of driving south will prove to be popular with travelers.

"To be able to just get in your car and go ... I think people would be really receptive to that," Peter Wesley said.

"We have been working on it for two years now and I think people are getting quite anxious and excited about having that road opened up and being able to drive south."

Wesley says traffic could start flowing on the new 170 kilometre stretch of winter road by early February.

The federal and provincial governments have provided more than $ 1 million in recent years to fund the project.

Road to Attawapiskat nears opening

Meanwhile, the usual section of ice road north from Moosonee to Attawapiskat is also close to opening for the season.

Wally Turner, the operations manager, said the James Bay communities can't wait for supplies like fuel to start moving.

"Right now, I wouldn't say there's a fuel shortage, but it's very costly," he said.

"Up in Fort Albany it's about $3.79 a litre."

Turner said it will likely be early February before the road can handle heavy traffic.