Highways Reopened and Recovery Underway

–UPDATE | Jan 20, 7:43 am –

Following a multi-day Prairie winter weather event, full operations were restored across all Prairie lanes yesterday for the first time since mid-last week. With network stability returning, teams are actively working through accumulated freight backlogs across key east–west corridors.

All primary Prairie corridors are currently open and operational, and conditions are being closely monitored to maintain safe, reliable service. With full LCV capability back online, backlog levels are trending down across most lanes, including the full clearance of Calgary to Regina volumes.

If highway access and weather conditions remain stable, further backlog reduction is expected, and transit times should continue to normalize. If you have questions about specific shipments or anticipated delivery timelines, please contact your Bison account manager for the latest updates.

–UPDATE | Jan 19, 8:09 am –

Highway 1 west of Winnipeg reopened yesterday at 17:55 CT and remains open, allowing east–west freight movement to resume across the Regina–Winnipeg corridor. Highway 75 has also reopened, allowing travel into the US from Winnipeg to resume. Prairie LCV operations are being reintroduced cautiously as conditions allow, with teams continuing to monitor weather and road stability.

While freight is moving again, the network is managing significant backlogs following a prolonged Prairie winter weather event that caused repeated closures and extended service suspensions. Recovery efforts are underway, but customers should expect ongoing delays as volumes are worked down over the coming days.

We will continue to provide updates as recovery progresses. If you have questions about specific shipments, please contact your account manager.

–UPDATE | Jan 18, 9:54 am –

Current Status
Highway 1 remains closed west of Winnipeg between Austin and Headingley due to ongoing winter weather, blowing snow, and poor visibility. As a result, the Regina–Winnipeg corridor remains unsuitable for both LCV and single-trailer operations. LCV operations between Alberta and western Saskatchewan continue where conditions allow and are being closely monitored.

Operational Impact
All LCV and single-trailer movements between Regina and Winnipeg remain suspended until Highway 1 reopens and conditions stabilize. These closures are significantly disrupting east–west Prairie network flow and are expected to cause ongoing and compounding service delays across affected lanes.

Recent Update
A brief partial reopening of Highway 1 on January 17 allowed limited traffic to move for a short period. However, deteriorating conditions later in the day led to renewed closures and the re-suspension of all commercial freight movements on this corridor.

Weather Outlook
Residual high winds, drifting snow, and reduced visibility continue across southern Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan, with near-blizzard conditions possible through tonight. While gradual improvement is forecast later tomorrow, localized weather variability may continue to impact highway reopening timelines and the safe resumption of LCV operations.

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as the situation evolves. Customers with questions about specific shipments are encouraged to contact their account manager for the latest information.

–UPDATE | Jan 16, 6:03 pm —

Current Status
Weather conditions across southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan continue to deteriorate, resulting in additional highway closures. The Trans-Canada Highway 1 is now closed between Carberry and Winnipeg, further restricting east–west travel. Highway 75 is also closed from Morris to the U.S. border, along with several secondary highways in the region.
Between Regina and Winnipeg, Highway 1 remains unsuitable for both LCV and single-trailer operations due to ongoing closures, reduced visibility, and inconsistent driving conditions. While LCV operations between Alberta and western Saskatchewan have resumed, the eastern portion of the corridor remains significantly impacted.

Operational Impact
All LCV and single-trailer movements between Regina and Winnipeg remain suspended. The expanded scope of highway closures is further constraining network flow and increasing the likelihood of service delays for freight moving east–west and north–south through southern Manitoba.

Outlook
Forecasts indicate worsening conditions, with gusty winds and intermittent snowfall expected to persist overnight. These conditions may prolong existing closures and delay the reopening of affected corridors. Operations teams continue to monitor conditions closely and will reassess movements once highways reopen and travel is deemed safe.

If you have questions regarding specific shipments or potential impacts, please contact your account manager for more information.

–UPDATE | Jan 16, 12:03 pm —

Winter weather conditions across Manitoba continue to deteriorate, creating renewed impacts to highway operations and LCV movements. Highway 75 has closed again between Morris and Emerson, and drivers are reporting poor visibility and blowing snow along Highway 1 east of Winnipeg. While Highway 1 eastbound remains open at this time, conditions are challenging and subject to change. Highway 1 west of Winnipeg is now closed, with current forecasts indicating this closure may extend through this evening and into the early morning hours, affecting LCV operations in this corridor.

There is some improvement west of Manitoba. Conditions in the Regina area are stabilizing, allowing eastbound LCV operations from Calgary toward Regina to resume. Westbound LCVs departing Regina will remain on hold until conditions improve further. Operations between Edmonton and Saskatoon have fully resumed.

Our teams continue to monitor conditions closely and adjust operations to prioritize safety and service continuity. Customers with freight moving through affected corridors may experience delays. For shipment-specific questions or planning support, please contact your account manager.

–UPDATE | Jan 16, 7:19 am —

Extreme winds overnight have caused widespread highway closures and travel-not-recommended advisories across southern Saskatchewan. As of this morning, all highways in and around the Regina area remain closed due to blowing snow, ice accumulation, and reduced visibility. Impacts are most significant along Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) and surrounding feeder routes.

LCV operations in the Regina area remain suspended. Due to closures, movements cannot proceed, including single-trailer operations, until highways reopen and conditions are deemed safe. Teams are actively monitoring conditions and adjusting freight plans where possible.

Strong winds are expected to continue through today, with gradual improvement forecast Friday evening into Saturday. Service delays are expected across Saskatchewan and into downstream Prairie lanes. Further updates will be shared as conditions improve.

Customers with questions about specific shipments are encouraged to contact their account manager for the latest information.

–UPDATE | Jan 15, 7:46 am —

Weather conditions across the Prairies remain dynamic this morning, with strong winds and colder temperatures continuing to elevate risk for operations, particularly through Saskatchewan and into Manitoba. Snowfall remains light, but wind-driven effects and temperature differentials are creating challenging travel conditions.

Key Regional Conditions

• Alberta: Daytime temperatures near freezing with overnight cooling are creating ongoing melt and refreeze risk. Winds are present but less impactful than further east.
• Saskatchewan: Strong northwest winds are the primary concern, with sustained speeds of 35 to 55 km/h and gusts up to 75 km/h across Highway 1 and Highway 16. These winds are contributing to blowing snow, reduced visibility, and difficult crosswind conditions.
• Manitoba: Colder, well-below-freezing temperatures combined with increasing winds are leading to hardened road surfaces and reduced traction, especially in open areas.

Operational Impact

• Forecasts indicate wind gusts may reach up to 100 km/h by midday today across Alberta and Saskatchewan, shifting east through Manitoba later today.
• Strong winds are expected to persist through tonight and into tomorrow morning before gradually improving.
• Effective this morning, all LCV lanes have transitioned to single-trailer operations to reduce crosswind risk and maintain safe operations. LCV drivers are hauling single trailers only until conditions improve.

We will continue to monitor weather and highway conditions closely and will provide an update once it is safe to resume full LCV operations. If you have questions about your specific shipments or potential delivery impacts, please contact your account manager.

— ORIGINAL POST —

Situation
Variable weather across the Prairies from this evening through Friday may impact operations between Alberta and Winnipeg.

Overall Impact
No major storm is forecast, but strong winds, intermittent snow, and sharp temperature differences west to east are expected to create periods of elevated risk, particularly across Saskatchewan and into Manitoba.

Regional Highlights

• Alberta: Milder daytime temperatures with colder nights may lead to melting and refreezing, increasing the risk of slick or icy road conditions, especially overnight and early morning.
• Saskatchewan: Strong northwest winds (30 to 55 km/h, gusting up to 75 km/h) combined with light snow or flurries may cause blowing snow, reduced visibility, and challenging crosswinds for LCVs along key corridors.
• Manitoba: Colder, below-freezing temperatures with periods of light snow and increasing winds may result in hardened road surfaces, reduced traction, and localized visibility issues.

Operational Considerations

• Potential for blowing snow and reduced visibility across Saskatchewan.
• Increased risk of icy conditions as freight moves from milder Alberta into colder Manitoba.
• LCV operations may require speed reductions, increased following distances, or temporary holds if conditions deteriorate.

We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as needed. Customers with questions are encouraged to contact their account manager.