Many southern Albertans frequently head to Montana during the summer months.
If you’re going to places like Kalispell and Whitefish and you like to take the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, make sure you pay attention and take your time.
Officials with Montana’s Glacier National Park say Monday night (July 8) traffic was stopped for nearly three hours on the popular route near an area known as Packer’s Roost.
A vehicle swerved to avoid another car stopped on the road to look at a bear and went down a 40 foot embankment. Three people were taken to hospital in stable condition.
Hundreds of vehicles and several shuttle buses were delayed because of that crash.
Glacier Park Superintendent Jeff Mow says unexpected incidents like this can have significant consequences for visitors, so if you are planning to travel the Going-to-the Sun Road, always carry extra food and water just in case. “You should always plan for the unplanned, including delays along the road or elsewhere.”
Emergency calls in the popular park are up a whopping 40% over last year.
The U.S. National Parks Service says because of the number of cars on the road during periods of high visitation, even minor accidents along the Going-to-the-Sun Road can delay traffic for hours while law enforcement response or rescue efforts are underway.