The ongoing wildfires in Jasper National Park are preventing the reopening of Highway 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway.
In a Monday afternoon update, Parks Canada stated that the wildfire continues to actively burn and smoulder along Highway 16.
“Incident staff are working to develop plans to reopen Highway 16 when it becomes safe to do so. More information will be shared when the situation changes.”
Jasper National Park remains closed and under evacuation order.
Parks Canada acknowledged that many evacuees want to travel through the park from the Valemount area to Hinton so they can reunite with friends and family.
It noted that teams were developing a plan to facilitate this.
In addition, the Municipality of Jasper is planning a bus tour for evacuated residents to view the extent of wildfire damage.
“We are unable to give timelines yet as the site is currently unsafe and the wildfire status remains out of control,” Parks Canada added.
“Fire activity, air quality, weather, damaged trees and overhanging trees, unstable structures, utility hazards, removal of burnt vehicles and other hidden hazards are assessed and actioned daily which will impact the timeline”
Westbound motorists on Highway 16 are advised to detour using Highway 40 northbound through Grande Prairie or Highway 43, according to 511 Alberta.
Motorists can still travel to British Columbia using Highway 1 through Banff National Park.
Highway 93N and Highway 93A within Jasper National Park are also closed due to wildfire.
Highway 93 is specifically closed just north of Saskatchewan River Crossing, and all traffic from Highway 11, west of Nordegg, must head south via Lake Louise.
Travel is not recommended for Highway 40 south of Hinton between Highway 16 and Highway 47, and Highway 47 west of Edson between Highway 16 and Highway 40.
Residents and valid permit holders are permitted travel on these two highways, but smoke has reduced visibility in the area.
