Road to long-weekend getaway could be filled with detours
Albertans looking forward to time off at cottages, beaches and campsites this long weekend may have to change their plans.
The flooding in much of southern Alberta has forced officials to close numerous roads, ferry crossings and campgrounds.
Many highways remain closed. The Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Johnston Canyon is inaccessible.
In Kananaskis Country, several highways are closed, including Highway 66 between the junction of Highway 22 and Elbow Falls Winter Closure.
While the Trans-Canada Highway officially reopened Wednesday, slow traffic is expected around the Canmore area. Only one lane will be open in each direction for several kilometres near the town, with speeds reduced to 60 kilometres an hour. Officials are advising people to carpool when possible to alleviate congestion.
Many people who made camping plans for the area will have to change them. Because of the significant flood damage, most provincial campgrounds in Kananaskis Country will be closed.
“We know that we have a lot of Albertans who typically would be eager to be heading out to our park system this weekend, but a number of our campgrounds are closed to keep Albertans safe,” said Steve Donelon from Alberta Parks.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Elbow Sheep Wildland Provincial Park and the Evan Thomas Provincial Recreation area — which includes Kananaskis Village — will be closed for at least the weekend.
The Wyndham Carseland Provincial Park outside Calgary is closed indefinitely.
Alberta Parks is offering full refunds for campground reservations cancelled until the end of July.
Backcountry camping in the area is unavailable until further notice.
Police and Edmonton officials are advising pedestrians, cyclists and motorists be cautious when using the roads this weekend.
“Long weekends combined with warm weather means more people are out walking, cycling and using the roads,” said Laura Thue, senior research co-ordinator for the city’s traffic safety office. “Year after year we see many collisions on long weekends.”
On the Victoria Day long weekend in May, 13 people died in 12 collisions across the province.
Thue said most collisions are preventable.
“Collisions are not accidents,” she said. “These things happen because of road-user behaviour, such as speed, alcohol and distractions. We all have to share the responsibility and use the roads in a safe manner.”
People travelling are advised to drive safely, and refer to Alberta 511 and Alberta Parks for updated information on road and campground closures.