A major highway north of Edmonton was forced to close on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as authorities warned of treacherous, ice-covered pavement posing a severe risk to motorists.
Highway Closure Details and Cause
The shutdown was prompted by 'extremely icy road conditions' that developed following significant winter weather in the region. The closure specifically affected a stretch of highway located to the north of Alberta's capital city. This dangerous situation unfolded after the Edmonton area was hit by two major snowfalls in quick succession, creating a hazardous environment for travel.
Context of Regional Winter Hazards
The incident near Edmonton was not isolated, as winter storms continued to hammer parts of Ontario and Quebec. Furthermore, a separate multi-vehicle collision on Highway 11, involving a transport truck, was reported by the Ontario Provincial Police, underscoring the widespread dangerous driving conditions. In response to the pervasive winter threats, CTV News Edmonton provided guidance, with journalist Miriam Valdes-Carletti speaking to a driving instructor about strategies for safely navigating the roads in such severe weather.
Staying Safe on Winter Roads
The closure serves as a critical reminder for drivers across Alberta and Canada to exercise extreme caution during winter months. Key recommendations for safe winter driving include:
- Reducing speed significantly on icy or snow-covered roads.
- Increasing following distance to allow more time to stop.
- Ensuring vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires.
- Avoiding unnecessary travel during severe weather warnings.
Drivers are urged to check 511 Alberta or local highway reports for real-time road condition updates and closure information before embarking on any journey during winter storms.
