Trans-Canada Highway east of Swift Current reopened

A section of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Swift Current that was closed Thursday morning has reopened.

According to the Highway Hotline, Highway 1 was closed from Rush Lake to just west of Mortlach because of a crash involving semis and because of road conditions. The closure ended just after 1:30 p.m.

However, travel still wasn’t recommended on the Trans-Canada between Swift Current and Rush Lake and between Mortlach and Moose Jaw.

In a media release issued just after 11 a.m., the RCMP said multiple semis were blocking the Trans-Canada about 10.5 kilometres west of Mortlach.

“This section of road is on a downward slope and the highway is pure ice,” the Mounties said. “At least five semis were involved in collisions and another semi jackknifed 15 minutes ago when the kilometres-long lineup started moving slowly again.

“Please use extreme caution if you are in the area as police officers and other responders are working to open the road and are outside their vehicles.”

The Highway Hotline said conditions remain icy and slippery, with heavy snow creating drifts. Slippery conditions were also reported on other highways in that area.

On Wednesday, Environment Canada issued special weather statements warning of freezing drizzle and snow in the southern parts of the province.