Evening Update: Movement Begins on Highway 63 as Crews Continue Rescue Efforts

Fort McMurray, Alberta – There is finally some movement on Highway 63 south of Fort McMurray after a long and difficult day for stranded motorists.

As of 4:15 p.m., southbound drivers who were stuck along the highway have now been assisted and are beginning to move. Crews have shifted their focus to those stranded in the northbound lanes, with work expected to continue throughout the evening.

Despite that progress, Highway 63 remains closed in both directions. Only vehicles being escorted out of the affected area are currently moving.

Highway 881 also remains closed.

Heading into the evening and overnight, closures will remain in place. Northbound traffic on Highway 63 is being stopped at Wandering River, while southbound traffic is being held at the Highway 881 junction. Highway 881 continues to be blocked in both directions north of Imperial Mills.

The situation developed after a powerful storm brought heavy snow, strong winds, and significant drifting to the region. In some areas, snow accumulation reached up to two feet, leaving vehicles stuck and large sections of highway blocked.

Throughout the day, crews have been working to reach stranded motorists, including families with children. Emergency responders have been providing food and fuel where possible, while heavy tow trucks and equipment are being escorted into affected areas to begin clearing a path.

A coordinated response remains underway involving RCMP, provincial crews, and local support. Heavy wreckers, loaders, and additional equipment are being used to free vehicles and create a safe route through the hardest-hit areas.

In a statement, Mayor Sandy Bowman acknowledged the stress many residents have faced.

“We know this has been an incredibly difficult and stressful situation for people who were stranded overnight,” Bowman said. “We are focused on doing everything we can to support the response and help residents get home safely.”

Officials continue to stress that travel is not recommended on Highway 63 or Highway 881. Even as conditions slowly improve, both highways remain unsafe.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area entirely and to check updates through 511 Alberta.

Within Fort McMurray, roads remain icy and snow covered. Anyone who must travel is urged to slow down and allow extra stopping distance.

For those still stranded, the advice remains to stay in your vehicle with hazard lights on, check that your exhaust pipe is clear, and avoid running your vehicle if it becomes blocked.

Emergency crews will continue working through the night as efforts shift toward clearing the remaining vehicles and reopening the highway when it is safe to do so.