Trans-Canada highway reopened in Banff National Park

Update 3:26 p.m. MT Wednesday

The Trans-Canada Highway is now open in Banff National Park.

One lane is open on both the east and westbound sides of the highways, where gaping holes and rushing flood water existed just one week ago.

“With a lot of muscle and an unexpected boost from quickly receding waters, we were able to get this interim solution in place for local residents, Albertans and Canadians,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation. “While this is the first step, we are in it for the long haul.”

Speed limits are currently 60 km/h in the area.

CALGARY – Several communities in southern Alberta are under a state of emergency after recent rainfall, forcing evacuations around the province. Banff National Park was hit especially hard, and the Trans-Canada highway was washed out in some parts after Cougar Creek spilled its banks.

About 250 people were rescued from 43 campgrounds in Kananaskis Country. 13 were aerial rescue operations, including nine helicopter sling rescues.

Town of Canmore in State of Emergency

The Town of Canmore has declared a local state of emergency after a deluge of rain.

Officials say the banks at Cougar Creek are unstable, and residents are being warned to stay away from it and all bodies of water.

The Trans-Canada Highway is closed at Cougar creek eastbound – and at Highway 40 at Exshaw for westbound travel.

Canmore is located about 100 kilometers west of Calgary, Alberta.

If you are in Canmore and need help, an emergency line has been set up. Please call 403-678-1551.

CLICK HERE for updates from the Town of Canmore.

Town of Banff

A number of highways in the mountain national parks are closed due to heavy precipitation causing flooding and mudslides.

Due to persistent heavy rain, a number of road closures remain in effect for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks. The closures are as follows:

The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1-A)—from Banff to Lake Louise.

Minnewanka Loop Road north of the Banff townsite.

The Sunshine Village Access Road.

Lake O’Hara Road (Yoho National Park).

Takakkaw Falls Road (Yoho National Park).

The Trans-Canada Highway is open in both directions between Golden and Banff to private passenger vehicles and tour buses only. No commercial vehicles (semis, 18-wheelers, transport trucks) except those making deliveries to the communities of Field, Lake Louise, Banff and commercial accommodations (hotels, hostels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants, etc.) are permitted at this time.

Parks Canada and the Town of Banff are working on a contingency plan to allow limited traffic between Banff and Canmore for Banff and Canmore residents stranded in both communities. More information on this plan will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

There are no reports of injuries.

LIVE BLOG: Find out the latest updates on flooding in Southern Alberta

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