Highway 1 west of Calgary is now clear

Highway 1 west of Calgary is clear of carbon tax protesters who blocked traffic Friday evening.

Cochrane RCMP sent out an update just after 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning saying the highway was open and normal traffic had returned.

In a press release just after 5:30 p.m. Friday, Cochrane RCMP said four or five vehicles were occupying all lanes of the highway between Jumping Pound Road and Highway 22.

Police asked drivers to slow down and use caution in the area until the problem is resolved.

Alberta RCMP say it's illegal and dangerous for people to block a highway with their bodies or vehicles for people demonstrating against a recent carbon tax hike.