Contacts
- Diane Beck
320-214-6421
Location
Minnesota Department of
Transportation
Willmar District 8
2505 Transportation Road
Willmar, MN 56201
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TRAVEL ADVISORY: Blowing snow and drifting continue to make for hazardous driving conditions in southwestern Minnesota
WILLMAR, Minn.- (5:45 p.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to advise no unnecessary travel in Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Redwood, Pipestone, and Yellow Medicine counties, due to near zero visibility and heavy drifting caused by high winds and blowing snow.
The following highways remain closed until further notice:
- Highway 269 from Jasper to the South Dakota border.
- Highway 14 from the junction of Highway 59 near Garvin east to Tracy.
The remaining segments of Highway 14 from the South Dakota border east and west of Highway 59 to Highway 71 near Sanborn have very difficult driving conditions with blowing and drifting snow with near zero visibility.
Other highways most affected by the blowing and drifting are Highways 19, 30, 67, and 212.
Mn/DOT snow plow operators will be out in force until approximately 9 p.m. Plowing operations will resume at 3 a.m. Jan. 8.
Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
Motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve and Mn/DOT crews clear the roads. Mn/DOT and the State Patrol will determine when the roads are safe for travel.
Mn/DOT would like to remind motorists to follow safe winter driving practices as southwestern Minnesota.
Motorists should:
- Turn on headlights.
- Always use seat belts.
- Adjust speed to road and weather conditions.
- Avoid using cruise-control.
For updated information, call 511 or click on www.511mn.org.
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