Contacts
- Diane Beck
320-214-6421
Location
Minnesota Department of
Transportation
Willmar District 8
2505 Transportation Road
Willmar, MN 56201
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Update: Highway 14 between Tyler and Florence in SW Minnesota is open to traffic
WILLMAR, Minn.- (8:30 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol have opened Highway 14 between Tyler and Florence in SW Minnesota at 8 a.m. today. Highway 14 had been closed to traffic since Thursday afternoon, March 18, due to flooding.
Message boards remain on site warning motorists to slow down as water remains over the highway.
Every flood is dangerous to motorists. If you must travel on Highway 14 in SW Minnesota, follow these safe driving practices (source: Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_during.shtm):
- Expect the unexpected – flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere.
- Flooding can knock out bridges, undercut highways and clog roads with mudslides and debris.
- Mn/DOT will identify which roads are closed and warn motorists of potential pavement break up or soft shoulders that could give way.
- Drivers are warned not to drive around barricades and to check the state's traveler information Web site www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1 for road conditions, closures and alternate routes.
- Do not drive into flooded areas.
- If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickups.
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