The concept of an all-season highway from Inuvik to Tuktoyuktuk was first conceived in the 1960s.[6] In 1974, Public Works Canada completed a survey and technical study of a 140 km (87 mi) route between the towns.[6] Upon campaigning during the spring 2011 election, the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper announced that it was his intention to complete the highway with a 138 km (86 mi)[7] extension to Tuktoyaktuk. The 2012 federal budget announced $150 million for the project, and this commitment was increased March 2013 to $200 million. The Inuvialuit completed an environmental review of the project in January 2013 and provided their approval, and in March 2013 NWT legislature approved $65 million, and construction of the all-weather highway commenced in April 2013.[8][9] The all-season highway is planned to open in the fall of 2017. The new highway includes eight bridges and 359 culverts.[4][10]
