(10:45 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed area highways, previously no travel advised, in northwestern Minnesota due to high winds causing blowing snow and zero visibility. The following roads are now closed:
- Highway 1- North Dakota border to Marshall/Pennington County Line
- Highway 2- East Grand Forks to Crookston
- Highway 9- Crookston to Borup
- Highway 11- North Dakota to Karlstad
- Highway 75- Perley to Canada
- Highway 175- North Dakota to Hallock
- Highway 200- Hwy 32 to North Dakota
- Highway 220 – Climax to Hwy 11
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.
Motorists should prepare for changing weather and monitor road conditions at 511mn.org. Drivers should plan accordingly with an emergency supply kit and clothing for extreme cold.
MnDOT snowplow operators will do their part to make highways safe and motorists should remember to:
- Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning
- Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
- Turn on your headlights and wear your seat belt.
- Turn off the cruise control.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
- Don’t drive distracted.
For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.
