Due to extreme weather circumstances, Highway 63 remains closed after Alberta Transportation deemed the roadway unsafe on Friday Afternoon. In a press release from the RCMP, they remind drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary, and to avoid highway travel if at all possible.
Highway 63 remains closed to Fort McMurray this morning, as weather conditions have continued to deteriorate.
The RCMP is warning drivers only to drive if necessary and to stay off of highways until the Alberta Ministry of Transportation deems the road safe for travel.
There are warnings in place across Lac La Biche County on Highways 881, 36, 55 (east and west), 663 and 858.
At this time, there are still numerous vehicles in ditches along those highways, and in certain spots, tow bans are in effect. This means the vehicles will be in the ditch for a little while longer.
In a press release from Lac La Biche RCMP Cst. Chris Clark from yesterday, he said that officers had responded to over 60 collisions after 1:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon, and since then, conditions haven't improved.
The travel advisory is going to be in effect until at least Friday afternoon.
Yesterday afternoon, Highway 881 was closed in multiple spots because of collisions and caused a bit of a back up for drivers who braved the weather.
At one point, a pick-up truck ran into a transformer and caused downed power lines. The Highway was closed until further action could be taken.
There were also serious collisions along other stretches of the highway which led to other closures.
Highway 881 is now open, but police and government are strongly warning against any travel.
The RCMP is recommending that everyone check http://www.amaroadreports.ca/ before heading out on the roads, and only if necessary.
