Alberta RCMP are diverting traffic on Highway 1 west of Calgary toward Banff, and are asking motorists to use alternate routes, according to a news release sent after 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
The RCMP told CBC News that traffic moving eastbound to Calgary is still moving, but westbound traffic is being asked to go north through Cochrane to Highway 1A.
Cochrane RCMP had advised of “potential delays or disruption” on Highway 1 in an earlier news release sent at around 10 a.m. Monday morning.
“If you have travel plans in this area during this time, consider alternate routes,” reads the release.
<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Update</a>: <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cochrane?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Cochrane</a> RCMP are advising the public that police are diverting traffic on Hwy 1 west of Cochrane. RCMP are requesting motorists seek alternate routes, and thank the public for their cooperation.
—@RCMPAlberta
“Alberta RCMP and partner organizations will be present to ensure that the impact on travellers will be minimized and to ensure traffic disruption will not affect public safety.”
It comes as protests against the federal carbon tax took place across the country on April 1, the same day it increased by 23 per cent.
Crowds of people and vehicles have established a presence at least 15 locations across Canada, including main interprovincial highways.
Protesters in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick gathered to voice their displeasure with the April 1 carbon tax hike at the pumps, despite the fact rebates are also rising in each of those provinces.