ÎYÂRHE NAKODA – A multi-vehicle collision involving at least 20 vehicles on the Trans-Canada Highway on Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation has closed the westbound lanes past Highway 40.
There are also recent reports of traffic at a standstill on the eastbound lanes of the highway just east of Lac Des Arcs because several semis are stuck on the slippery hill near the rock-cut. At about 7:45 p.m., there were reports that as temperatures dropped the roads flash froze, and semis lost traction on the incline. Some are trying to chain up, but they are blocking areas.
Cochrane RCMP is recommending motorists stay off the roads until weather improves or choose an alternate route.
“Traffic is currently at a standstill and will be for some time while vehicles are removed from the road,” said RCMP public information officer Cst. Bonnie Sauve, in a media release of the westbound lanes.
WB Hwy1 at Hwy40, near Kananaskis - CLOSED due to MVC - Expect major delays. Use alt. route. EB lanes remain open. (4:44pm) #ABRoads #ABParks
— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 29, 2024
One local EMS is urging people to stay off the roads, saying "roads are terrible."
"And when there’s emergency vehicles trying to get through, give them space, and then don’t try and tailgate them to get through traffic jams,” he wrote on Bow Valley Road Conditions.
According to 511 Alberta, the multi-vehicle collision is blocking westbound traffic near Highway 1X. Road conditions show the Trans-Canada Highway is covered with snow and ice from Calgary to Canmore.
RCMP public information officer Cpl. Lacey Blair confirmed at least 20 vehicles are involved in the collision and said there are no reported injuries at this time, however, emergency personnel are still on site assessing the scene.
Vehicle pile up due to swift heavy snowfall along HWY1 near Canmore, Alberta. #abstorm #abroads pic.twitter.com/5oTCk7JRwx
— Prairie Storm Chasers (@PrairieChasers) March 1, 2024
Eastbound lanes on the highway remain open and RCMP will provide an update once traffic is moving.
