Highways 63 and 881 to Fort McMurray were both closed Thursday night due to extreme weather and related collisions. The highways will remain closed until Friday morning at 8 a.m. when road conditions will be reassessed by Alberta Transportation.
Highways 63 and 881 to Fort McMurray were both closed Thursday night due to extreme weather and related collisions.
The highways will remain closed until Friday morning at 8 a.m. when road conditions will be reassessed by Alberta Transportation.
"This advisory should be adhered to for your safety," the RCMP state.
It is unclear if more roads will close as the night, and weather rage on.
"Alberta Transportation has enacted a closure of Highway 63 Northbound to Fort McMurray at the junction with Highway 55 near Lac La Biche," a press release from RCMP Alberta Media Relations Sgt. Tom Kalis. "Weather and road conditions are not allowing safe highway travel in that area at this time."
The release states the closure is also affecting southbound traffic on Highway 63 as well.
At the time of the release, Highway 881 was open, but has since been closed due to a motor vehicle collision, and it is unclear if the highway will reopen tonight.
Highway 55 is also shutdown to traffic between Highway 63 and 881.
"Motorists in travel status are being re-routed onto other roadways and are being reminded to proceed with extreme caution on the ice and snow covered roads," stated a release from Cst. Christina Wilkins of Wood Buffalo RCMP regarding the Hwy 63 closure. "RCMP are advising against travel at this time, and those who have not left for their destinations are encouraged to stay put until road and weather conditions improve."
Severe weather has hit the Boyle, Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray areas, and has caused an extremely high number of collisions.
Lac La Biche is reporting more than 60 collisions since 1 p.m. today, and Boyle's number is at currently residing at 40.
"Presently snow is falling, and this is accumulating to a heavy snow pack on the road that has combined with ice," states a release from Cst. Chris Clark with the Lac La Biche RCMP. "Presently highway crews have attempted to clear the highway, but with heavy snow this has chosen to be a difficult task to stay on top of, also wind is drastically reducing visibility."
A tow ban has been issued for the area, which means any vehicles will remain in the ditches until the ban has been lifted.
Lac La Biche RCMP are also reporting several vehicles in the ditch on surrounding highways.
Boyle RCMP is advising that Highway 831 in both north and south directions will be closed until further notice at the junction with Highway 28 due to a motor vehicle collision and extreme weather conditions.
ìIf you are traveling, find a safe place to pull over and park or get a hotel or find accommodations and do not travel until the conditions have changed, î the RCMP urge motorists.
