By Josh Hall

Papal Visit

QEII Highway delays expected on day of Pope’s Maskwacis visit

Jul 14, 2022 | 2:22 PM

About 15,000 people are expected in Maskwacis for an upcoming visit by the Pope.

The Government of Alberta says that on July 25, there will be restricted access to the QEII Highway, as well as to Highways 611 and 2A in the vicinity of Ponoka, Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin.

“While the government is working to minimize disruptions for travellers on Alberta highways along the papal motorcade routes, motorists can expect delays due to rolling road closures and should use alternate routes where possible,” the province says. “Delays can also be expected on area highways due to increased traffic generated by the events.”

Other road closures include:

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• The public should expect highway closures and limited access to the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Highway when the Pope travels from the Edmonton International Airport to his destination in Edmonton.

July 25 – Maskwacis

July 26 – Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage

• Expect highway closures and limited access along Highways 16, 43 and 633 when the Pope travels between Edmonton and Lac Ste. Anne.

July 27 – Pope Francis departs

• Expect highway closures and limited access to the QEII Highway when the Pope travels from Edmonton to the Edmonton International Airport.

The province says more than 120,000 visitors are expected to attend the papal events, including the 15,000 at Maskwacis, 775 at Sacred Heart Church in Edmonton, 80,000 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, and 25,000 at Lac Ste. Anne.