I-35 southbound closed at Albert Lea because of north Iowa closure

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (3 p.m.) – Southbound Interstate 35 in Minnesota at Albert Lea is closing, because poor winter driving conditions have forced the Iowa Department of Transportation to close the highway in north Iowa, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

At Albert Lea, motorists will be unable to travel southbound on I-35 into Iowa. Iowa is expected to reopen I-35 on Monday.

MnDOT is advising no travel across the 11-county southeast Minnesota region because of dangerous driving conditions caused by snow and wind. MnDOT snowplows are out in the region. MnDOT snowplows in southeast Minnesota are scheduled to work around the clock through Monday.

MnDOT will announce any other road closures in southeast Minnesota as conditions change. Many of the state highways in southcentral and southwest Minnesota have no travel advisories because of poor visibility and road conditions.

Stay updated on changing winter driving conditions in southeast Minnesota by signing up for MnDOT winter driving updates via text message or email. Go to the MnDOT website mndot.gov/d6 and look for the Winter driving updates link to sign up.

If you must travel, motorists should have a full tank of gas and winter survival kit and remember to:

Stay alert for snowplows, which turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They also may travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
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.

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