BANFF AB - June 26, 2013, 3:15 p.m.- Parks Canada Opens Trans-Canada Highway for 2-Lane Traffic, from Town of Banff to Park's East Gate
Parks Canada is pleased to announce that the Trans-Canada Highway will re-open at 3 p.m. today east of the town of Banff, for both private and commercial vehicles. Due to the repairs still underway, the highway will be reduced to single-lane traffic in each direction for 12 kilometres between the park's East Gate and the turn-off to the town of Banff. The rest of the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff National Park (west of the Town of Banff) remains a divided highway with 4-lane traffic.
At 3 p.m. today, Alberta Transportation reopened the Trans-Canada Highway east of the park. With the 2-lane detour now open in the park, private and commercial traffic may now travel between Golden and Calgary. Commercial traffic is also now permitted on Highway 93 South between Castle Junction and Radium.
Please note that driving conditions are not yet back to normal in the 12-kilometre active construction zone in the park. For the safety of the travelling public, as well as those still working in the area :
• respect all traffic signs and traffic control personnel;
• obey reduced speed limits as posted;
• do not pass or stop for the length of the detour;
• be alert for wildlife (repairs to the wildlife fence are still underway); and
• prepare for unexpected delays.
• take Roam public transit between Banff and Canmore or carpool when possible to alleviate expected congestion
All traffic regulations will be strictly enforced.
CYCLISTS PLEASE NOTE: The Legacy Trail beside the Trans-Canada Highway remains closed for safety reasons. Sections of the trail between Banff and the park's East Gate are impassable due to flood damage. If you are on a cycle trip through the park, you must take Roam regional transit service between Banff and Canmore (see schedule at www.banff.ca/roam or roamtransit.com ). Recreational cyclists and commuters wishing to cycle between Banff and Canmore are advised that the RCMP will NOT allow bicycle traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway at this time — it is simply too unsafe. We will send out a notification when this ban is lifted.
We thank all travellers for their patience over the last week as Parks Canada, Public Works and Government Services, the Towns of Banff and Canmore, our industry and tourism partners, and the Province of Alberta have worked together to reopen this vital transportation corridor. We are working diligently toward full restoration of the Trans-Canada Highway as soon as possible.
ROAM PUBLIC TRANSIT
Heavy traffic is expected on the Trans Canada Highway between Banff and Canmore as travel restrictions are reduced. Residents commuting between Banff and Canmore are encouraged to continue to use Roam Public Transit through Thursday or to carpool to alleviate congestion and delays. You should expect delays.
To this end, Roam will continue to run FREE PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE through Thursday, June 27. Hourly service will begin with the first pick-up at 7 a.m. in Banff and 7:30 a.m. in Canmore with the last pick up in Banff at 9 p.m. and in Canmore at 9:30 p.m. Three buses will be running from 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday morning and from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening. Two buses will be running between 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Thursday.
Please note, it is anticipated that Roam will return to its regular schedule, route and fee-based service Friday, June 28. For the schedule, visit www.roamtransit.com