Deerfoot Trail closed in both directions due to unsafe driving conditions

Deerfoot Trail is closed in both directions between McKnight and Anderson due to multiple collisions and unsafe driving conditions, Calgary Police announced.

The weather has created poor driving conditions around the city, and police are advising the public to avoid travelling, if possible.

“The weather today is making the roads challenging for drivers, and we definitely recommend that people should stay home today if they can,” Duty Inspector Jim Shaw said in a release. “If you are out, please drive to the conditions. Slow down, leave lots of room between you and other vehicles, and turn your lights on so people can see you.”

Deerfoot and Barlow’s current conditions (City of Calgary)

“It has been a very busy day for us and all emergency services. There have been a lot of collisions across the city and we are all working hard to keep up.”

We are coordinating with Carmacks who will complete an echelon plow of the closed portions of Deerfoot Trail. This will assist in reopening Deerfoot Trail and improving the road conditions for the safety of motorists. #yyctraffic

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) February 3, 2018

If you do need to be on the road, however, police are giving the following tips:

Before you go out:

• Plan your journey ahead and try to stay on main roads
• Check weather conditions before you leave and allow extra time for your journey
• Make sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice so it doesn’t create further unsafe conditions for yourself and other drivers (if it’s not you could get a $115 ticket)

When driving:

• Drive according to the road conditions, and slow down – you don’t have to drive the speed limit
• Leave a safe gap between you and other vehicles
• Pay particular attention at intersections – the icy conditions make it difficult to stop
• Take extra care when going over bridges where black ice can form
• Avoid sudden manoeuvres like braking, accelerating, or sharp turns
• If it gets too bad, turn around or find safety quickly

Deerfoot closure (Calgary Police Service)

The weather here in Calgary is scary! You can’t see it but there is a car in front of us… I’d avoid Deerfoot if you can! pic.twitter.com/eg45JokE7d

— ⚓️ Geometric ⚓️ (@GeometricTrash) February 3, 2018

Roads are treacherous. AVOID IF YOU CAN!!! SB Deerfoot Trail b/wn McKnight & 32 Ave. Deerfoot closed in both directions. Photo by @ashtronsamborg #yyctraffic #yyc pic.twitter.com/6HKq8b8Ovd

— Christa Dao (@ChristaDao) February 3, 2018

Here’s the pole out on NB Deerfoot as we go over 130th. @660NEWSTraffic #yyctraffic pic.twitter.com/cLNjCtApyr

— CGD (@chaingunsofdoom) February 3, 2018

Does anyone want to play a game? Where is the Deerfoot off ramp? #abstorm #Saw #DeerfootClosure

This is why Deerfoot is closed. Even with no one on the road and the plows going full bore the roads are still piling up with snow. pic.twitter.com/ippb1nHXQB

— Boo-Radley🍁🇨🇦 (@BradInYYC) February 3, 2018