Residents of the Kingston Peninsula are using an unsanctioned, river road on the Kennebecasis River as a shortcut to Saint John for the first time in two years.

The ice road opened on Sunday with the help of local volunteers who measured the ice to determine if it was thick enough to drive on. The volunteers then plowed a couple of lanes on the ice.

People living on the Kingston Peninsula say it's a helpful shortcut, saving 30 minutes or more, on a trip to Saint John.

Mitzie Scott, a resident of the Kingston Peninsula, drove the road on Tuesday morning to get to an appointment in the city.

"I don't go the first trip. I wait for a number of cars to go first, then I chance it after that," Scott said.

"And it's usually perfectly alright. If you see 15, 20 vehicles going and there's half-tonne trucks and trucks with plows on them, I'm sure it's going to hold me so I don't worry."

Scott said the route is important for many people who live in the area and need to travel into Saint John.

"It's important for the saving of time plus the saving of gas, for people who work every day and have to go to their jobs," Scott said.

The road is not sanctioned for use.

Some residents say the ice road should only be used by locals who know the route and pay attention to any shifts in the ice or weather.

There have been some reported accidents.

In 1994, a truck veered off the cleared lane and sank into the water. However, no one was injured in the incident.

'I don't fear the ice, maybe I should'

Drivers are using an ice route along the Kennebecasis River as a shortcut between the Kingston Peninsula and Saint John. (CBC) Joe Scott said he believes there's little risk, as long as drivers stick to the lane that is plowed by volunteers.

"I've been doing this all my life. I grew up here – doesn't bother me. I don't fear the ice, maybe I should," he said.

Last year, an unseasonably warm winter cancelled the highway altogether.

That's just one reason why Janet Gorham is sticking with the ferry.

"Especially now, the winters aren't like they used to be, the river's not frozen as solid and thick as it used to be," Gorham said.