Traffic backed up along Mayor Magrath Drive South during snowstorm in Lethbridge on Saturday, November 5, 2022. (Photo: A.Epp)

By Cathy Gibson

Winter weather leads to road closures and collisions

Nov 5, 2022 | 6:48 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has issued an advisory about poor driving conditions and a road closure in the city.

Police say the Lethbridge Fire Department closed the offramp from Scenic Drive to westbound 5th Avenue North Saturday afternoon, November 5, 2022.

The LPS says two vehicles were stuck at that location, and the road was closed as emergency crews worked to move a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer. The offramp was re-opened early Saturday evening.

Emergency crews have been dealing with several incidents as blizzard conditions have left city streets in poor driving condition.

The LPS says most of the collisions have been minor, but they resulted in several traffic back-ups. Police say emergency crews and tow truck drivers have been kept busy throughout the day, and police urge drivers to use extreme caution as roads are expected to ice up even more as the temperature drops tonight.

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Police advise motorists to use caution as roads and highways around southern Alberta are in poor driving condition, Saturday, November 5, 2022. (Photo: A.Epp)

Roads and highways throughout southern and central Alberta are also in poor driving condition.

Alberta 511 is reporting that Highway 3 from Lethbridge to Fort Macleod, and Highway 2 from Fort Macleod to Granum is snow covered with blowing and drifting snow, and travel is not recommended on these routes.

Other roads and highways around southern Alberta have icy and snow-covered sections and motorists are advised to use extreme caution.

Farther north, Alberta RCMP has issued an advisory that Highway 2 north of Airdrie has extremely poor driving conditions, and travel is not recommended in the area.

Police say there are several cars in the ditch, and multiple collisions near Olds and Ponoka. RCMP say a portion of Highway 2 has been closed near Ponoka, and traffic is being rerouted to Highway 2A in that area.

Near Grande Prairie, RCMP are dealing with a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 40 that is blocking both north and southbound lanes. RCMP say poor road conditions were likely a factor in the crash.

To check road and highway conditions throughout the province, visit 511.alberta.ca to get the latest information.

READ MORE: Blizzard conditions reduce speeds and visibility on Lethbridge streets

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