Ice Road Truckers

Take a look at the men who undertake one of the most dangerous jobs on earth--ice road truckers. In the thick of winter truckers in giant eighteen wheelers carry equipment and supplies to miners in the Canadian tundra. In this episode, road construction crews begin the process of creating the most unique passage in the world---a 350-mile highway of ice. Truck drivers from all over North America make the long journey to Yellowknife, Canada for their chance at some quick cash. When the temperature is cold enough and the ice is thick enough, the big rigs get ready to roll.

Take a look at the men who undertake one of the most dangerous jobs on earth--ice road truckers. In the thick of winter truckers in giant eighteen wheelers carry equipment and supplies to miners in the Canadian tundra. Travel over ice and frozen lakes in blizzard conditions with men who are trained in self survival; from fixing a truck in sub-zero conditions in seconds to escaping from a truck if the ice cracks. Follow the truckers in a tradition that goes back over a hundred years as they race against time to reach the miners and make it back before the temperatures rise.

It's half way through the grueling ice road season. Six hundred truckers have ferried more than 4,000 loads to the northern mines. They still have 6,000 left to go, but everyday roadblocks threaten their progress. Going a few miles over the speed limit is one thing on a regular road, but on ice it's a different story. Blowouts are appearing in the ice as a result of reckless speeding. Other trucks come to a standstill when a fuel tanker overturns on the Ingraham Trail. The wreck not only blocks traffic, but it's a potential environmental disaster. Rescue crews race to prevent a diesel spill from contaminating the Yellowknife River, the only water supply for this entire outpost.