Alberta RCMP warn of poor road conditions north of Calgary
Posted Dec 27, 2022 1:34 pm.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2022 2:09 pm.
The Alberta RCMP is warning the public about poor road conditions on Highway 2 between Red Deer and Airdrie and a crash on Highway 1.
Mounties say that black ice and freezing rain are affecting visibility and surface traction on the road. They also have reports of poor conditions near Redcliff and Strathmore.
“RCMP members between Olds, Strathmore, Redcliff, Airdrie, and Red Deer have also responded to a variety of traffic collisions, some single vehicles in the ditch, others with multi-vehicle collisions,” said Const. Patrick Lambert with the RCMP.
“We want to make sure that all Albertans, as well as those that are travelling to or from get to their destination safely. So it’s better to be a little bit delayed rather than find yourself in a predicament on the highway.”
Lambert says to be prepared in the event a car has stopped or is off-road by having warm clothing, and to stay in your vehicle rather than wait outside.
“The larger object is visible as opposed to a person standing on the road,” Lambert said. “So make those calls to whichever emergency service you may require. If you do find yourself in distress, and sit patiently and wait for help.”
Read More: Freezing rain warning in effect for Calgary
If someone were to drive into a ditch or stop off in the road without causing a crash, Lambert says to call a tow truck, but in the event of a crash, to call 911.
“[911] can make the determination if police fire, EMS or all three agencies are required. So take it case by case. We always want to make sure that if someone feels the emergent need, to reach out to 911 first, and you can be directed from there,” he said.
In addition, Brooks RCMP responded to a single-vehicle crash involving power lines on Tuesday, which led to traffic slowing to a crawl.
It happened on Highway 1 near Highway 550, east of Calgary. There are no injuries reported at this time.
The RCMP said that the roads are now open but are still asking people to find other routes, as hazards are still causing road condition issues.
CityNews received reports of traffic delays along Highway 1, with some people waiting on the road for “over two hours.”
-With files from Mark Strashok
