The Trans-Canada Highway opened for private and commercial vehicles on Wednesday, after it was closed by flooding in southern Alberta on June 20.
One lane will be open on both the east and westbound sides of the highway, where gaping holes and rushing flood water existed one week ago, said a press release by Alberta Transportation. Speed limits will be reduced to 60 kilometres per hour in the area.
“With a lot of muscle and an unexpected boost from quickly receding waters, we were able to get this interim solution in place for local residents, Albertans and Canadians,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation.
In Banff National Park, a 12-kilometre section of the highway between Banff East Gate and the town of Banff has single-lane traffic due to repairs, while the remainder of the highway west of Banff allows for four lane traffic.
Travel between Golden and Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway and on Highway 93 south between Castle Junction and Radium is also permitted.
The Legacy trail beside Trans-Canada Highway for cyclists remains closed due to flood damage. Cyclists are advised to take Banff's Roam shuttle bus to make the trip.
