Drivers travelling south of High River, Alberta, are facing major delays this morning, February 5, 2026, after a multi‑vehicle crash closed a section of the highway. According to 511 Alberta and responding RCMP, the southbound lanes of Highway 2 are closed at the Highway 23 overpass/interchange. Emergency crews are on scene; responders estimate the closure could last about four hours while the area is cleared and investigated.
High River RCMP is diverting southbound traffic onto Highway 23 as the primary detour. Local outlets such as HighRiverOnline and provincial guidance note that the Highway 23 detour commonly adds time to journeys and can become congested — provincial planning documents and past incidents typically cite an added delay of roughly 30–45 minutes under heavy traffic. High River RCMP and 511 Alberta are urging motorists to slow down and use caution, citing icy road conditions in the area.
This closure follows other recent serious collisions in southern Alberta, including a Feb. 2 crash near Claresholm reported by Lethbridge News Now. That earlier incident was later updated by the outlet to say three people died; reporters should treat casualty figures carefully and seek RCMP confirmation. This stretch of the QEII (Highway 2) between Okotoks and High River is known for hazardous winter conditions such as black ice and sudden ground blizzards, and local outlets including the Western Wheel have previously reported similar winter crashes in the same area.
Reporters should contact the High River RCMP detachment and 511 Alberta for the latest official updates on traffic status, casualty information and expected reopening times before publishing further details.
