Municipality responds to assist stranded motorists on Hwy. 63

The Municipality has sent buses, food and water, as well as plows and heavy equipment to help any motorists still stranded on Highway 63 after a significant spring snowstorm.

Highway 63 remains impassable. The RCMP continue to urge the public not to travel on Hwy 63 or Hwy 881 until conditions improve. Find all updates on highway conditions at 511 Alberta.

Buses at scene 

Buses and emergency support vehicles travelled from Fort McMurray in the northbound lane to reach any motorists still stranded on Highway 63. Responders are checking all stranded vehicles to ensure people are safe.

Once buses return to Fort McMurray, residents will transfer to transit buses that will bring them back to their neighbourhoods. There will be four buses with different drop-off points. Residents will need to make their own arrangements to get home from the drop-off locations.  

• Bus 1: Timberlea - Independent parking lot
• Bus 2: Thickwood - Centrefire Place parking lot
• Bus 3: Downtown  - Walmart parking lot
• Bus 4: Beacon Hill/Gregoire - Frank Lacroix parking lot

Progress being made clearing highway

RCMP are working closely with Robby’s Towing and partners, including Enbridge, to access stranded vehicles using controlled entry points. Heavy wreckers and tow trucks have been escorted into affected areas, and loaders and other heavy equipment are assisting in freeing vehicles from snow drifts. Abandoned vehicles are being temporarily towed to Mile Marker 160 at the Conoco turn-off.

The Regional Emergency Coordination Centre is actively monitoring conditions and coordinating support across agencies. While the most impacted areas are outside the boundary of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, municipal resources have been deployed where possible to support response efforts and clear the highways. Highway 63 and 881 are provincial highways, and maintenance and plowing are the responsibility of the Province of Alberta through its contractor, Emcon Services.

Anyone in need of immediate assistance, should call 9-1-1.