CANMORE – The Trans-Canada Highway between Canmore and Cochrane was reopened to traffic in both directions at 9 p.m. after a winter storm caused dozens of accidents on Wednesday (Feb. 20).
The highway was officially closed at 6:49 p.m. after an emergency alert was issued by the province advising of blowing and drifting snow, strong winds and zero visibility affecting travel in both directions.
While the highway was reopened, RCMP advised motorists to continue to avoid travel until conditions improve.
The closure followed an afternoon of accidents on the highway between the rock cut feature at Lac Des Arcs to Dead Man's Flats. Collisions, vehicles in the ditch and jack-knifed semi trucks were reported.
Motorists were stuck on the highway for several hours, as RCMP worked to clear the road and redirect traffic onto the 1X Highway while local tow truck companies assisted.
Airdrie RCMP cautioned motorists to avoid travelling if at all possible on southern Alberta highways due to winter driving conditions.
Environment Canada also issued a snowfall warning for Canmore-Kananaskis shortly before 5 p.m. with up to 10 cm expected.
Go to www.511.alberta.ca for up to date road conditions.
