Sinkhole closes part of Highway 1 near Banff
Posted Aug 31, 2023 4:29 pm.
Last Updated Aug 31, 2023 7:56 pm.
A sinkhole has closed a part of Trans Canada Highway 1 Thursday, in the eastbound lanes between the Norquay Road Exit and the exit to the Banff Industrial District.
According to a post on X from the Town of Banff, the sinkhole is about seven metres long and two metres wide.
The sinkhole in the eastbound lanes is assessed at 7 metres long and 2 metres wide. Parks Canada crews, Standish Towing, RCMP and Town of #Banff Municipal Enforcement are helping detour TransCanada traffic through town at all main intersections… pic.twitter.com/4ZBHFT5rQc
— Banff Town (@Banff_Town) August 31, 2023
“Parks Canada crews, Standish Towing, RCMP and Town of #Banff Municipal Enforcement are helping detour TransCanada traffic through town at all main intersections,” the post reads.
According to 511 Alberta, all eastbound highway traffic is being detoured at Norquay Road into Banff, left at Railway Avenue, down Elk Street to Banff Avenue, and north back to the Highway.
Town of Banff asking travellers within town to avoid the detour route and to not exit the town via Norquay Road. (3:23pm) via @BanffNP #ABRoads #BanffNP pic.twitter.com/YmZOCoMuvH
— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) August 31, 2023
“Please stay away from this detour route to allow transport vehicles to move through safely. Do not exit Town on Norquay Road. ” 511 Alberta said.
The traffic agency says engineers are on site working on temporary solutions and long-term repairs.
Expect tons of EB delays… pic.twitter.com/MVzabU3N07
— CityNews Calgary Traffic (@CityNews660) August 31, 2023
Delays are 20 kilometres long as of 7 p.m.
Highway 1, east of Sunshine ski hill overpass in Alberta, looking east at around 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. (Courtesy BC HighwayCams)
Banff RCMP are asking drivers to please avoid the area.
#Banff RCMP are advising travellers to avoid the area of the Norquay Road exit and the Compound Road exit. All eastbound traffic is being detoured due to a sinkhole. Follow @511Alberta for up-to-date traffic advisories. https://t.co/CZ456jAMvK
— RCMP Alberta (@RCMPAlberta) September 1, 2023
As of 8 p.m., there is two-way traffic in the westbound lanes, but delays are around five hours long.
Listen to CityNews every 10 minutes on the ones for the latest traffic updates.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
