Road Reports

Driving conditions on the QEII are becoming treacherous.

Blowing snow is bringing visibility to a bare minimum and the highway is becoming snow-packed north of Airdrie all the way to Red Deer.

Multiple Airdronians are warning others about travelling on the QEII letting people know to stay home if they can avoid travelling at this time. People are pulling over to the side of the road and trying to wait it out.

Please drive with caution if you have to at this time of night.

The gusting winds on Thursday morning which are causing blowing snow and snow drifts on roads across Airdrie and the surrounding areas are causing problems for Motorists.

There are reports of the tandem trailer that has been pushed by the wind towards the Southbound Veteran's Boulevard exit onto the QEII, which means that drivers will have to slow down to avoid the trailer.

Southbound QEII toward Calgary is slippery with black ice and icy wheel paths. There are strong winds and drifting snow across the highway making for reduced visibility. 

According to police, Airdrie RCMP cleared the collision on Highway 2 near Highway 581.

"One person has sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries as a result of the collision," police stated. 

Traffic on Highway 2 has resumed, however, police are reminding drivers that road conditions remain poor and travel in the area is not advised at this time.

The collision occurred earlier on Tuesday afternoon between a pick-up truck and a snow plow.

On Tuesday evening, Airdrie RCMP confirmed that the collision on the QEII near Highway 581 east of Carstairs was cleared.

Earlier in the day, afternoon traffic was backed up severely due to the road closures. 

There were reports of kilometres-long congestion as police are diverting traffic onto Highway 581 and that traffic cannot drive southbound on Highway 2 at this location.

Police stated previously that emergency crews will be on the scene for some time. Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Airdrie RCMP is currently on the scene at a serious motor vehicle collision in the southbound lanes of Highway 2, near Highway 581 east of Carstairs.

EMS has confirmed that one individual was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, though no more details were available at the time. 

"The collision is between a pick-up truck and a snow plow," RCMP stated. 

The snowfall on Tuesday morning is causing icy conditions on major roadways in and around the Airdrie area. Highways in the area are partly covered in snow, with reports of blowing snow causing poor visibility. Motorists are asked to be extremely cautious and watch for snowplows in the area. 

Both the Innisfail and Airdrie Rural RCMP are advising of poor driving conditions on the QEII from Airdrie to Red Deer.

"RCMP have responded to several collisions along this Highway. Travel is not recommended at this time."

The scene has been cleared. 

Earlier on Wednesday evening, Airdrie RCMP was on the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in the vicinity of 40th Avenue and 8 Street. There may be delays as emergency crews are on the scene.

Minor injuries were reported, though RCMP clarified no pedestrians were involved in the collision. 

According to police, a call was received a 5:40 p.m. this evening alerting them of the incident. Emergency crews, including fire and EMS, were on the scene and intersections were blocked. 

With frigid temperatures returning this week, The Alberta Motor Association is reminding motorists that in extreme cold, calls for dead car batteries can spike upwards of six times. However, in order to avoid being stuck, there are things motorists can do to help ensure their cars start up.

While the heaviest snowfall may be behind Airdrie and the surrounding areas, the snowfall warning issued for Environment and Climate Change Canada is still in effect.

"Snow will continue today, with total amounts of 15 to 30 cm. Snow will taper off from north to south today," Environment and Climate Change Canada stated.

With snow continuing to fall Monday evening into Tuesday morning, road conditions may deteriorate rapidly as the evening progresses.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the periods of light snow may change this evening to much heavier flurries, with anywhere from 10 to 15 cm predicted to fall.

However, thus far, the QEII towards Calgary limits is reported to be wet but not slippery, but with fair visibility.