Prairie Network & Highway Conditions Update

–UPDATE– April 17, 6:48 am —

Conditions across the Prairie network are beginning to improve, with some continued impacts in Manitoba.

Network Status Update

• Alberta – Saskatchewan:
  Conditions have improved, and all lanes are now operating with LCVs
• Saskatchewan – Manitoba:
  Conditions have improved on the Saskatchewan side; however, freezing rain is currently impacting the Winnipeg area
• Winnipeg Operations:
  • We will continue to run single trailers out of Winnipeg until conditions improve 
  • Based on current forecasts, we expect to resume LCV operations later this morning
• Regional Impact (Manitoba):
  Freezing rain is also affecting areas east and south of Winnipeg, which will likely result in ongoing delays into and out of the region throughout this weather event

Recovery Plan 

We have multiple LCV drivers confirmed to work additional shifts this weekend to support recovery efforts and reduce the current backlog as conditions normalize.

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as Winnipeg operations transition back to full capacity.

Current Network Status 

We are currently operating single trailers across all Prairie LCV lanes, with the exception of the Saskatoon–Edmonton corridor. All other major corridors are currently impacted by Travel Not Recommended advisories and/or severe winter conditions, resulting in significant operational constraints, delays, and increased risk.

Alberta – Southern Corridor (Severe Snow & Blowing Snow)

Heavy snow continues across portions of southern Alberta today.

• Snowfall: 25–40 cm expected 
• Winds: Strong northwest winds producing blowing snow and very poor visibility
• Drifting: Severe drifting reported, including 60–70 cm drifts near Gleichen on the Trans-Canada Highway
• Timing: Snow will taper off this evening; however impacts will persist due to drifting and cleanup 

Impact:

• Hazardous travel conditions across southern Alberta 
• Reduced visibility and snow-covered highways 
• Significant delays expected, with potential localized closures or stoppages

Saskatchewan – Southern Corridor (Active Snow Event)

Southern Saskatchewan will continue to see accumulating snowfall through Thursday.

• Snowfall: 10–15 cm widespread, with localized totals up to 25 cm
• Visibility: Reduced due to moderate northeasterly winds and heavy snow bands 
• Key impacted routes:
  • Trans-Canada Highway (Alberta border to Regina) 
  • Highway 11 (Regina to Saskatoon) 
• Timing: Conditions improve from west to east Thursday evening 

Impact:

• Challenging travel conditions throughout the day 
• Significant impact to rush hour traffic 
• Possible road closures and intermittent closures along key corridors

Manitoba – Southern Corridor (Snow & Freezing Rain Risk)

A late-season winter storm will impact southern Manitoba from Thursday morning through Friday.

• Primary concern: Freezing rain risk along and south of the Trans-Canada Highway, including the Red River Valley 
• Snowfall (west/central MB): 4–8 cm generally, with up to 15 cm in higher terrain 
• Uncertainty: Freezing rain coverage may be patchy or more organized depending on system development 
• Timing: Thursday morning through Friday 

Impact:

• High risk of rapidly deteriorating road conditions 
• Icy surfaces and reduced visibility in southern regions 
• Snow-covered highways in western and central Manitoba 
• Potential for significant operational disruption across Winnipeg and surrounding corridors

Operational Impact Summary

• All Prairie corridors are currently operating under severely reduced reliability due to winter storm activity
• Single trailer operations are in place across the network to maintain safety and service continuity 
• Only the Saskatoon–Edmonton corridor remains outside Travel Not Recommended status at this time
• Expect:
  • Extended transit times 
  • Reduced network velocity 
  • Potential service delays or interruptions across multiple lanes

Outlook

• Conditions will begin to gradually improve in Alberta and Saskatchewan from Thursday evening onward 
• Manitoba impacts will extend into Friday due to ongoing snow and freezing rain risk 
• Continued monitoring is required as conditions may change rapidly and further advisories or warnings may be issued

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and adjust operations accordingly. Please ensure customer commitments reflect current network constraints and variability across all Prairie corridors.