The Icefields Parkway is back open after being closed intermittently for avalanche work on Wednesday, March 8.
Public safety crews required four short closures over the course of the day to conduct the control work. The longest closure lasted 45 minutes, according to Parks Canada.
“Parks Canada only closes roads when absolutely necessary, when weather, road or avalanche conditions present a risk to human life,” a press release states. “When roads are closed, gates are locked for the safety of park visitors and motorists.”
Work started at 12 p.m. and was finished at 4:20 p.m. The closure was from Parker Ridge to Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Parks Canada reminds motorists to check 511 Alberta for road conditions and traffic information and that breaking gates or intruding into avalanche control areas is unsafe and illegal.
Parks Canada maintains that the Icefields Parkway is not a major through highway like Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada) or Hwy 16 (Trans-Canada Yellowhead).
“The Icefields Parkway is a scenic parkway,” Parks Canada’s Winter Maintenance information page says.
Backcountry users should check avalanche.ca for updated conditions.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
