New Nares River (Naataase Héen) Bridge opens

Nares River (Naataase Héen) Bridge

After two years of construction, the Nares River (Naataase Héen) Bridge replacement is now complete. Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn and Carcross/Tagish First Nations’ Deputy Chief Maria Benoit officially opened the bridge today alongside the project teams from the the Carcross/Tagish Development Corporation and Ruskin Construction Ltd and the Government of Yukon today.

The new bridge has wider lanes to better accommodate larger commercial vehicles along the South Klondike Highway and a wider pathway that can be illuminated at night for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Government of Yukon used a value-driven procurement process that included a First Nation participation plan to address employment and training for Carcross/Tagish First Nations citizens and Carcross/Tagish First Nations firms.

The new bridge will meet future traffic demands along the South Klondike Highway better than the current bridge, which was built nearly 50 years ago. Working closely with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, we ensured that this project created direct local benefits to the community.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn 

As we are the headwaters of the Yukon, we are also the gateway into the Territory from Alaska. We are sad to see the last wooden bridge in the Yukon be replaced but grateful to have a new and safe bridge for visitors and citizens to travel through.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation Deputy Chief Maria Benoit

Quick facts 
  • The construction contract for the bridge was awarded to Ruskin Construction Ltd. through a value-driven procurement process. The new bridge cost approximately $15 million.

Media contact 

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
[email protected]

Keely Bass
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-3950
[email protected]

News release #: 
19-234