Traffic is moving again across Chestermere Lake after a power-line hazard temporarily closed the Chestermere Boulevard bridge Friday, Oct. 23.
The city issued a traffic alert identifying a closure at West Chestermere Drive and asked motorists to avoid the area and use other routes. The crossing subsequently reopened.
The city’s director of operations and public safety said heavy snowfall was weighing down power lines, while gusty winds were moving them into traffic lanes. The closure was imposed because of the danger to road users.
The disruption came as snow and strong winds affected the region. A wind warning issued Friday morning covered Rocky View County near Chestermere, Dalroy and Dalemead.
The warning forecast northwesterly gusts reaching 90 km/h before easing in the evening. It also identified the possibility of local utility outages and difficult driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles.
Friday morning’s forecast for Chestermere called for rain mixed with snow ending during the afternoon. Winds were expected to strengthen through the morning, with gusts reaching 90 km/h.
Conditions were forecast to clear Friday evening, with a low of minus 2 C and northerly winds gusting to 50 km/h. Saturday’s forecast called for sunshine followed by increasing afternoon cloud and a high of 5 C.
Residents encountering fallen electrical wires should remain at least 10 metres away and report the hazard. A line should be treated as energized, even when there are no signs of electrical activity.
Anyone facing an immediate emergency should call 911. Damaged or sagging electrical wires should also be reported to the electricity provider.
For motorists planning travel beyond Chestermere, Alberta’s 511 service provides highway condition reports. Local traffic notices and updated weather forecasts can help residents check conditions before leaving home.
The bridge has reopened, but motorists should continue checking for weather-related disruptions before travelling.