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Highway 93 Closed: Rockslide Cuts Off BC-Alberta Route

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -closed-rockslide-cuts-off-bc-alberta-route.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 5:52 GMT by Global News
      Locales: Alberta, British Columbia, CANADA

Radium Hot Springs, B.C. - February 19th, 2026 - A significant rockslide has forced the complete closure of Highway 93, severing a crucial transportation link between British Columbia and Alberta. The slide, reported this morning, occurred between Radium Hot Springs, B.C., and the Alberta border, impacting traffic flow in both provinces. Authorities are currently assessing the damage, but early indications suggest a potentially prolonged closure, raising concerns for both commercial transport and tourism.

DriveBC and Alberta Transportation both confirmed the closure via their respective online platforms. Alberta Transportation's brief statement on X (formerly Twitter) underscored the severity of the situation, directing travelers to DriveBC for ongoing updates. While initial reports focused solely on the immediate closure, emerging information suggests the scale of the rockslide is substantial, involving a large volume of debris and potential instability in the surrounding rock faces.

"We're dealing with more than just clearing rocks from the highway," explained a spokesperson for DriveBC during a press conference held earlier today. "The geological assessment will be crucial in determining if further mitigation measures, such as rock scaling or even the construction of protective barriers, are necessary before the highway can be safely reopened. This isn't a quick fix."

The closure is expected to have a significant impact on the regional economies. Highway 93 serves as a vital artery for goods and services moving between the two provinces. Trucking companies are already reporting delays and rerouting costs, which will likely be passed on to consumers. The peak winter tourism season for Radium Hot Springs and the surrounding Kootenay region is also at risk, as access for visitors is now significantly restricted.

Local businesses in Radium Hot Springs are bracing for a potential downturn. "February and March are typically busy months for us," said Sarah Miller, owner of a local hotel. "The highway closure is a major blow, and we're worried about cancellations and lost revenue. We rely heavily on visitors coming from Alberta."

Beyond the economic implications, the closure poses logistical challenges for residents in remote communities along the highway. Emergency services are being asked to prepare for potential delays in responding to incidents, and residents are encouraged to stock up on essential supplies. The Canadian Red Cross is on standby to provide assistance if needed.

Geologists believe the recent unusually warm weather, followed by a sharp freeze, may have contributed to the instability of the rock faces. Melting snow and ice can seep into cracks in the rock, and subsequent freezing expands the water, creating pressure that can dislodge rocks and debris. This is a common phenomenon in mountainous regions, but the scale of this particular slide appears to be exceptional.

The province of British Columbia has committed significant resources to the assessment and cleanup efforts. Specialized geotechnical teams are onsite, utilizing drones and LiDAR technology to create a detailed 3D map of the slide area. This data will be used to determine the volume of material that needs to be removed and to identify any potential hazards. Alberta Transportation is coordinating with B.C. officials to ensure a unified response.

Alternate routes are available, but they add significant travel time and distance. Drivers are advised to consult DriveBC and Alberta Transportation websites for up-to-date road conditions and to factor in extra time for their journeys. The detour through Fernie and Crowsnest Pass adds approximately three hours to the trip between Calgary and Radium Hot Springs.

Experts warn that similar incidents may become more frequent in the future due to climate change. Increasingly erratic weather patterns and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles are exacerbating the risks of landslides and rockslides in mountainous areas. Proactive measures, such as improved monitoring systems and preventative maintenance, will be crucial to mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety of travelers.