Update: Highways close and no travel advised in portions of northwest Minnesota
Ice, snow and limited visibility create hazardous driving conditions
BEMIDJI, Minn. – (6:00 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has enacted a no travel advisory in addition to closed highways in northwest Minnesota due to blizzard conditions. MnDOT snowplow continue to operate, but motorists are advised not to travel in these areas until conditions improve. Polk County Sheriff’s office has also advised motorists to use caution while traveling on Polk County area roads.
Closed highways:
- Hwy 2 - Crookston to North Dakota border
- Hwy 9 - Crookston to Borup
- Hwy 75 - Crookston to Perley
- Hwy 200- Ada to Halstad
- Hwy 220 – Climax to East Grand Forks
No travel advised:
- Hwy 1 –Warren to Oslo
- Hwy 75 –Crookston to Warren
- Hwy 102 – Hwy 9 to Hwy 32
- Hwy 200 –Ada to Hwy 32
- Hwy 220 –East Grand Forks to Alvarado
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 sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
No Travel Advised means that the roadway has deteriorated and/or visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel; there are reports of intermittent white out conditions; and some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments are not effective, and conditions can become life-threatening for stranded travelers.
For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to Winter safety tips webpage.
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