A significant traffic collision has forced the complete closure of a key eastbound artery in Edmonton on Wednesday morning. The incident has shut down all eastbound lanes of Yellowhead Trail between 97 Street and 82 Street.
Road Closure and Police Response
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) confirmed the closure on January 7, 2026. The Major Collisions Unit has been dispatched to the scene to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. The exact time of the incident was reported around 10:46 AM EST.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the number of vehicles involved, the nature of the collision, or potential injuries. The priority remains securing the scene for a thorough investigation by specialized traffic detectives.
Commuters Face Major Disruptions
The closure is expected to cause substantial delays for morning commuters and commercial traffic. Yellowhead Trail, also known as Highway 16, is a major east-west thoroughfare through the city, connecting to key industrial areas and serving as a bypass route.
Drivers are being urged to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes. Significant congestion is anticipated on parallel routes such as 118 Avenue, 111 Avenue, and the surrounding street network as traffic seeks to bypass the closure.
Investigation and Reopening Timeline
There is currently no estimated time for reopening the affected stretch of highway. The duration of the closure will depend on the complexity of the investigation and the time required for evidence collection and vehicle removal.
The EPS Major Collisions Unit investigates all serious and fatal collisions within the city. Their work is methodical and can often require several hours, especially when scene analysis is critical for determining factors like speed, driver actions, and vehicle conditions.
Motorists are advised to check real-time traffic updates from the City of Edmonton and local news outlets for the latest information on detours and when the lanes might reopen to traffic.
