The Government of Alberta says it will be supporting the Pope Francis visit..Pope Francis will arrive in Edmonton July 24 and take part in events in Edmonton, Maskwacis and Lac Ste. Anne.."The Government of Alberta supports the papal visit and all efforts on the journey toward truth and reconciliation," Communications Advisor for Transportation Wayne Wood said in a news release.."The government is providing logistical support and is working with partners to ensure the visit is successful.".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. Delays can also be expected on area highways due to increased traffic generated by the events..Here are a list of the road closures:.July 24 – Pope Francis arrives.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.Restricted access to the QEII Highway and Highways 611 and 2A should be expected in the vicinity of Ponoka, Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin..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 Government of Alberta said more than 120,000 visitors are expected to attend the papal events. They anticipate 15,000 will attend at Maskwacis, 775 at Sacred Heart Church in Edmonton, 80,000 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and 25,000 at Lac Ste. Anne.."Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government," the government stated.."As partners in reconciliation, we are listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.".To view the full schedule for the Papal visit click here.
