First Snowfall Creates Highway Havoc

CHESTERMERE – Highway traffic was diverted through the main streets of Chestermere on October 11 due to a series of collisions and vehicles ending up in the ditch. Icy road conditions at the curve on Highway #1 between Paradise Road and the east turnoff into Chestermere are to blame for the mishaps. Fortunately there were no serious injuries in any of the accidents. Eastbound traffic was at a complete standstill and backed up towards Calgary as far as you could see. West bound traffic was equally as bad but some drivers were able to get off the main highway and pass through Chestermere via the 1A highway (17 Ave). Sanding trucks were also held up in traffic and were unable to sand the road as quickly as they would normally get the salt and sand on the road. This particular stretch of road is not known for icy conditions, however, that day the curve was slicker than the roads leading up to it. While the east bound traffic was stopped, it was perhaps the safest time for vehicles to cross at the intersection of Paradise Road and the Trans Canada.