Members of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit are crediting the median cable barrier and the actions of northbound drivers for preventing head-on crashes on the QEII near the Highway 72 overpass, north of Airdrie.
According to RCMP, at approximately 9:00 a.m. Thursday, the driver of a southbound semi tractor unit, without a trailer, lost control of their vehicle and entered the center median. The semi crossed into the northbound lanes of the highway before the tension of the cable barrier pulled the vehicle back into the median.
The driver of a northbound Honda CRV took evasive measures and avoided a collision with the semi.
A short time later, another southbound semi tractor unit with an empty 53' trailer left the highway at the same location, crossed the damaged cable barrier and travelled into the northbound lanes. The drivers of two oncoming vehicles were able to avoid colliding with the semi.
No injuries have been reported.
Northbound traffic on the QEII was reduced to one lane for 90 minutes while crews investigated and cleared the scene. According to RCMP, icy patches are prevalent on sections of the highway and blowing snow has resulted in poor driving conditions.
Travellers are encouraged to check current road conditions prior to their departure at 511 Alberta and to drive to highway conditions.
Further north on the QEII, Ponoka RCMP are asking drivers to travel with extreme caution and at reduced speeds, as extremely icy roads have caused several collisions between Red Deer and Ponoka.
