Tompkins Crossing
Crossing the Peace River takes on a unique form at Tompkins Crossing, a vital and free seasonal infrastructure located on Highway 697 in northwestern Alberta. This river crossing connects the community of La Crete to major southern highways, saving commuters a detour of over two hours. Depending on the time of year, traversing this section of the river changes completely, shifting between water and ice.
From early spring until early November, the 680-meter crossing is serviced 24 hours a day by a free, self-propelled ferry built in 1987. Measuring 33.4 meters long and 32 meters wide, this vessel is operated by a 2-person crew and can accommodate up to 60 passengers and 14 mid-size cars (or heavy industrial trucks), with a maximum load capacity of 95,000 kg. With the arrival of freezing winter temperatures, the ferry is pulled to make way for a meticulously engineered ice bridge. Built under strict safety guidelines and tested using ground-penetrating radar, this free ice road is systematically flooded and built up to a thickness of over 120 centimeters by February to handle heavy winter loads.
Seasonality: The ferry operates 24/24 from early spring until early November. The ice bridge takes over during the winter months and typically closes during the first week of April.
Rates: Access to both the ferry and the ice bridge is entirely free for all users.
Ferry Specifications: Self-propelled; Length: 33.4m, Breadth: 32m, Hull Depth: 1.52m. Carrying capacity of 2 crew members, 60 passengers, and 14 mid-size cars. Load capacity up to 95,000 kg.
Driving Conditions: Vehicle speed and weight are strictly regulated on the ice bridge to avoid creating subsurface waves that could damage the ice. Drivers must carefully follow all posted safety signs and guidelines from Alberta Transportation during the crossing.
Credit :
1.Ice-bridge-2020-scaled-CR-Photo courtesy of Paul Catt
2.Tompkins-Landing-Ice-Bridge-In-my-Back-Pocket-1024×489-CR-website la crete area chamber
3.tompkins-CR-website la crete ferry
