Carbon tax protest west of Calgary forces temporary traffic redirection on Highway 1

Traffic was flowing normally on Highway 1 west of Calgary Monday evening after protesters set up on the side of the highway to show theiropposition toCanada's carbon tax increase.

RCMP ended the diversion shortly after 7:30 p.m. MT on Monday, according to a news release.

Earlier, Alberta RCMP were asking motorists to use alternative routes after diverting traffic on Highway 1 west of Calgary, according to a news release sent after 5:30 p.m.Police saidwestbound traffic was being divertednorth through Cochrane to Highway 1A. However, traffic continued to moveeastbound to Calgary.

The diversion cameas protests against the federal carbon tax took place across the country on April 1, the same day it increased by 23 per cent.

Cochrane RCMP had advised of "potential delays or disruption" on Highway 1 in an earlier news release sent ataround 10 a.m. Monday.

"If you have travel plans in this area during this time, consider alternate routes," the initial release said.

"Alberta RCMP and partner organizations will be present to ensure that the impact on travellers will be minimized and to ensure traffic disruption will not affect public safety."

Crowds of peopleand vehicles have established a presence at 15 locations across Canada, including main interprovincial highways.

WATCH | Carbon tax protestors set upacross Canada:

Carbon tax protesters across Canada make their dissatisfaction heard

6 months ago

Duration 1:12

Protesters in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick gathered to voice their displeasure with the April 1 carbon tax hike at the pumps, despite the fact rebates are also rising in each of those provinces.