When planning a road trip in Alberta, it's essential to stay informed about road closures to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a safe journey. The province's diverse geography and harsh weather conditions can lead to frequent road closures, especially during the winter months. Here, we'll outline 10 Alberta road closures to be aware of, along with information on how to check for up-to-date road conditions and plan your route accordingly.
Understanding Alberta’s Road Closure System
Alberta’s road closure system is managed by the province’s Ministry of Transportation, which provides real-time updates on road conditions through its website and social media channels. The ministry uses a color-coded system to indicate road conditions, with green indicating open roads, yellow indicating caution, and red indicating road closures. It’s crucial to check these updates before embarking on your journey, especially if you’re traveling during peak winter months or in areas prone to flooding or wildfires.
Top 10 Alberta Road Closures to Avoid
Here are 10 notable road closures in Alberta that you should be aware of when planning your trip:
- Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93): This scenic highway is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks.
- Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail): This highway is often closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and maintenance.
- Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail): This scenic route can be closed due to flooding or wildfires, especially during the summer months.
- Highway 28 (Cold Lake): This highway may be closed due to flooding or maintenance, especially during the spring thaw.
- Highway 28A (Bonnyville): Similar to Highway 28, this route may be closed due to flooding or maintenance.
- Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) near Lake Louise: This section of the Trans-Canada Highway can be closed due to heavy snowfall, avalanches, or maintenance.
- Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway): This highway may be closed due to heavy snowfall, maintenance, or wildfires.
- Highway 11A (Nordegg): This route can be closed due to heavy snowfall, maintenance, or wildfires.
- Highway 532 (Trunk Road): This highway may be closed due to flooding, maintenance, or wildfires.
- Highway 579 (Forestry Trunk Road): This route can be closed due to heavy snowfall, maintenance, or wildfires.
| Road Name | Reason for Closure | Typical Closure Period |
|---|---|---|
| Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) | Heavy snowfall and avalanche risks | December to April |
| Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) | Heavy snowfall and maintenance | December to March |
| Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) | Flooding or wildfires | May to October |
| Highway 28 (Cold Lake) | Flooding or maintenance | April to June |
| Highway 28A (Bonnyville) | Flooding or maintenance | April to June |
Planning Your Route Around Road Closures
To avoid delays and ensure a safe journey, it’s essential to plan your route around road closures. Here are some tips:
- Check road conditions regularly: Visit the Alberta Ministry of Transportation’s website or download the Alberta 511 app for real-time updates on road conditions.
- Plan alternative routes: Identify alternative routes that can help you avoid road closures and minimize delays.
- Check weather forecasts: Monitor weather forecasts to anticipate potential road closures due to heavy snowfall, flooding, or wildfires.
- Leave early and allow for extra time: Depart early and allow for extra time to account for potential delays or road closures.
Real-World Examples of Road Closures in Alberta
In recent years, Alberta has experienced several significant road closures due to natural disasters and maintenance. For example:
- In 2020, the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) was closed for several weeks due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks.
- In 2019, Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) was closed due to flooding, forcing travelers to take a detour.
- In 2018, Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) near Lake Louise was closed due to a rockslide, causing significant delays for travelers.
What is the best way to check for road closures in Alberta?
+The best way to check for road closures in Alberta is to visit the Alberta Ministry of Transportation’s website or download the Alberta 511 app. You can also follow the ministry’s social media accounts for real-time updates on road conditions.
How can I plan my route around road closures?
+To plan your route around road closures, check the Alberta Ministry of Transportation’s website for up-to-date road conditions and identify alternative routes. You can also use mapping apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and navigate around road closures.
