EDMONTON – Rising waters caused major problems on two highways in the heart of oil-and-gas country on Monday. Highways 63 and 881 were closed for part of the day, as water and debris overtook the roadways Sunday evening. The bridge near Anzac was washed out, but holes have since been temporarily filled using rocks and sand.
Highway 63 was re-opened with alternating traffic at around 8:30 am Monday, and then in both directions Monday afternoon. Highway 881 re-opened to light traffic around 7 pm. Morris Creek Bridge along the route was previously impassible due to high water levels. Emergency crews will be on scene throughout the night to assist with traffic control, and monitor the situation which will be re-evaluated Tuesday morning.
RCMP are reminding motorists to still exercise caution when travelling in the area.
The flooding forced about thirty residents from their homes south-east of Fort McMurray, and prompted dozens of others to voluntarily leave their homes.
The municipality is warning residents to avoid shorelines throughout the region. An emergency alert flood watch still remains in effect for the Hanging Stone River just south of Fort McMurray.
The Alberta government’s Alberta Emergency Alert website explains there are elevated water levels in streams, rivers, and other bodies of water that may create dangerous situations or lead to flooding in and around the Anzac area. It says, as of Monday morning, residents at the end of Aamaco Road are being voluntarily evacuated from their homes. The Reception Center is located at the Anzac Community Hall on Christina Drive.
A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued for streams in the Athabasca River basin. The High Streamflow advisories for the North Saskatchewan River basin remain in effect.
The government says north-eastern Alberta saw 60 to 160 mm of precipitation over the weekend. River levels are rising rapidly in response to the precipitation. An additional 20 to 30 mm of precipitation is forecast for the region in the next 24 hour period.
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