By CHAT News Today

RCMP advise drivers to avoid non-essential travel

Oct 2, 2017 | 5:35 PM

REDCLIFF, AB — RCMP are advising motorists in southern Alberta to stay off the road if they don’t have to travel after multiple weather-related collisions on Alberta highways on Monday.

The Trans-Canada Highway is closed in both directions between Calgary and Bassano. As of 5 p.m., RCMP say a snow plow is expected to appear between Calgary and Strathmore to clear the road. However, the road between Bassano and Strathmore is not expected to reopen until Tuesday morning.

Staff Sgt. Sean Maxwell with Redcliff RCMP says his officers have been busy since Monday morning, when the worst of the snow began to fall.

“We’ve been going to numerous collision,” he said. “Jackknifed trucks on the highway. Basically the members have just been going from call to call.”

Maxwell adds officers have been working with Cypress County firefighters, AHS, Volker Stevin and Alberta Transportation to help manage the collisions and assist people.

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The storm has had impacts on several highways near the city, and multiple vehicles can be seen in ditches or medians, including six near Costco Monday afternoon. Locally, Highway 3 from Taber to Medicine Hat was closed due to the weather for several hours. By 8:30 p.m., the road from Medicine Hat to Bow Island re-opened, but Bow Island to Taber remains closed.

The highway from Medicine Hat to Brooks is open, but only heading east. Westbound Highway 1 from Medicine Hat to Brooks is closed due to poor visibiity.

Maxwell says he is advising drivers to avoid non-essential travel.

“If people do not have to go anywhere, we recommend that they just simply stay home, stay safe and stay warm,” he said.

Motorists who are caught in areas when highways are closed are advised to shelter in place, and RCMP are working to assist stranded motorists.

Visit 511 Alberta  to find up to date road conditions.