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By rdnewsNOW Staff

July 25, 2022

Travellers’ Advisory: Papal visit highway closures: QEII, Highways 2A and 611

Jul 24, 2022 | 1:38 PM

On the morning of July 25, Pope Francis will travel to Maskwacis for an event at 10 a.m. that will result in rolling closures along the Queen Elizabeth II Highway southbound.

Provincial officials say this means the highway will be closed along the route before and after the motorcade passes through.

The QEII Highway northbound between Maskwacis and Edmonton will be closed when the Pope returns to Edmonton.

Travellers can expect short-term delays to accommodate the rolling closures and should consider alternate routes if possible.

To accommodate the movement of guests to the event, traffic impacts and restricted access to Highways 611 and 2A will occur in the vicinity of Ponoka, Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin.

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Travellers can expect closures, significant delays and limited access along portions of Highway 2A, northbound and southbound, between Wetaskiwin, Maskwacis and Ponoka all day on July 25. Please consider alternates routes, including the QEII Highway.

Travellers can also expect closures, significant delays and limited access along portions of Highway 611, eastbound and westbound, all day on July 25. Please consider alternate routes, including Highways 53 and 13.

Up-to-date information on the papal travel schedule will be posted on 511.

• Call toll-free: 511 (in Alberta)
• Call: 1-855-391-9743 (outside Alberta)
• Visit: 511.alberta.ca
• Follow: @511Alberta

Highway closure information will also be posted on electronic message boards along the QEII Highway and Highways 611 and 2A.

Provincial officials say reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. As partners in reconciliation, the government says it is listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.

Related information

• Pope Francis in Alberta

Road Reports

For up-to-date road information and traffic delays

• Toll free: 511 (in Alberta)
• Call: 1-855-391-9743 (outside Alberta)
• Visit: 511.alberta.ca

Follow: @511Alberta