Road Reports

Motorists have plenty of things to be mindful of this spring, especially as both farming and motorcycle seasons are now starting on Alberta roadways.

Rocky View County has reminded motorists about the farming season, stating that, motorists may have already seen a few tractors or machines in the fields as they drive around the county.

The province has issued a reminder to motorists that come tomorrow, volunteer groups will be cleaning up trash along provincial highways during the annual highway cleanup. 

"Between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., on May 4, volunteers in orange safety vests will be collecting trash along provincial highways. Drivers are reminded to slow down, obey signs, watch for pedestrians, and use caution when passing cleanup crews," the province stated.

Several road and pathway closures in Airdrie in the coming weeks and months may impact motorists and residents; starting with today's temporary pathway closure of Luxstone Boulevard.

The closure will last till June 19 and is for a stormwater system rehabilitation project. On Saturday and Sunday this weekend, lane closures on Main Street South will occur to accommodate construction activities for the Library and Multi-use Facility. Another lane closure is scheduled for the following weekend, on May 11 and 12.

With a special weather statement continuing to be in effect for Airdrie and surrounding areas, motorists are asked to drive to conditions on the roads this morning.

The QEII heading southbound towards Calgary city limits is reported to have slippery and slushy sections, with some shoulder ice and snow. Roads within Airdrie city limits are reported to be wet, but bare. However, roads within Calgary are reported to be slushy and partially covered in snow.

Beginning today, there will be bridge maintenance operations on the QEII near Carstairs which will impact both southbound and northbound traffic on the QEII as well as eastbound and westbound traffic on Highway 581. The work is expected to last until May 27.

Central Alberta Mounties are warning motorists of possible traffic disruptions this weekend due to an ongoing protest occurring on the QE II at the Juniper Lake Rest stop.

"Disruptions to traffic flow from the protest on the QE II have been minimal at this point," said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff with the Alberta RCMP. "With fairly good weekend weather we can expect an increase in protestors. This combined with traffic congestion could present a safety issue."

Starting Monday evening, from 9 p.m. till 5 a.m. on Tuesday, sections of Deerfoot Trail will be closed for spring cleanup work. 

"The cleanup will be done during non-peak hours to minimize traffic disruptions. Drivers can expect delays and should plan accordingly for alternate routes and additional travel time," a traffic advisory from the province stated.

There will also be closures next week on Monday, April 29, beginning at 9 p.m. and lasting till Tuesday at 5 a.m. 

Motorists commuting to Calgary on Friday and into the weekend will have to adjust their plans, as major upcoming ramp closures have been announced for Deerfoot Trail as part of the ongoing Deerfoot Trail Improvements project.

"The ramps from eastbound Anderson Road and northbound Bow Bottom Trail to northbound Deerfoot Trail will be closed from [Friday] April 19 to April 22," a traffic advisory from the province stated.                  

Several earlier collisions involving multiple cars both in Airdrie and north of the city have been cleared. However, police have warned motorists of deteriorating road conditions both in Airdrie and on the QEII.

Several earlier collisions both in Airdrie and north of the city are reported to have been cleared.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Airdrie Mounties warned that road conditions in the Airdrie area continue to deteriorate, as fire crews and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) continue to attend to multiple collisions.