A highway leading to the main Alberta border crossing hampered by a second blockade has been opened
Posted at 3:30 p.m.
to traffic on Thursday, and the RCMP escorted trucks to the United States.
RCMP had warned early in the morning that a line of protesters in vehicles, parked just north of the Coutts, Alberta border crossing, were blocking vehicles from traveling south on Highway 4 and had asked the public to avoid the sector.
Hundreds of vehicles, including trucks, tractors and cars, had blocked the road in solidarity with the main blockade that had been placed near the border post on Saturday.
But hours later, police drove a number of US-bound vehicles into a lane lined with other police trucks, tractors and vehicles.
Many truck drivers honked while driving down the highway.
“Our officers at the roadblock there have been engaging with those blocking traffic and were able to ease traffic south to the border, so it’s positive at this time,” Corporal Curtis Peters said.
He said police escorts would be provided for those heading for the border crossing.
Protesters are still at the main roadblock, but they agreed on Wednesday to open a lane on each side of the highway.
Protesters began parking their trucks and other vehicles near the crossing on Saturday in solidarity with similar events in Ottawa and across the country to protest COVID-19 vaccination rules and public health measures in their together.
The standoff has blocked the passage of cross-border travelers and truckers, jeopardized millions of dollars in trade, and impeded access to basic goods and medical services for area residents.
On Tuesday, some protesters left the main blockade after the RCMP announced negotiations to end the standoff had failed and they were ready to make arrests and tow vehicles. Some trucks left, but others crossed a police roadblock to join them.