Carbon tax protest west of Calgary forces temporary traffic redirection on Highway 1
Protests against federal carbon tax staged in at least 15 locations across Canada
Traffic was flowing normally on Highway 1 west of Calgary Monday evening after protesters set up on the side of the highway to show their opposition to Canada's carbon tax increase.
RCMP ended the diversion shortly after 7:30 p.m. MT on Monday, according to a news release.
Earlier, Alberta RCMP were asking motorists to use alternative routes after diverting traffic on Highway 1 west of Calgary, according to a news release sent after 5:30 p.m. Police said westbound traffic was being diverted north through Cochrane to Highway 1A. However, traffic continued to move eastbound to Calgary.
The diversion came as protests against the federal carbon tax took place across the country on April 1, the same day it increased by 23 per cent.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> #2: Cochrane RCMP are advising that the traffic diversion has ended and traffic is flowing normally in both directions. RCMP thank the public for their cooperation.
—@RCMPAlbertaCochrane RCMP had advised of "potential delays or disruption" on Highway 1 in an earlier news release sent at around 10 a.m. Monday.
"If you have travel plans in this area during this time, consider alternate routes," the initial release said.
"Alberta RCMP and partner organizations will be present to ensure that the impact on travellers will be minimized and to ensure traffic disruption will not affect public safety."
Crowds of people and vehicles have established a presence at 15 locations across Canada, including main interprovincial highways.
