I-90 west of Albert Lea closed; I-35 south of Albert Lea remains closed
MnDOT advises no travel on most SE Minnesota state highways
ROCHESTER Minn. (6:30 p.m.) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 90 west of Albert Lea to Worthington because of blizzard-like conditions overnight.
Interstate 35 southbound is also closed south of Albert Lea because the Iowa Department of Transportation has closed I-35 from Ames to the Minnesota border.
A no travel advisory is in effect for most southeast Minnesota counties: Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and part of Winona. Additionally, a no travel advisory remains on state highways in the following counties west of I-35: Rock, Sibley, Nicollet, Le Sueur, Waseca, Brown, and Blue Earth.
The road closures are expected to remain until conditions improve on Monday.
MnDOT reminds motorists that it is illegal to travel on a closed road and if a motorist requires rescuing, they are liable for all related rescue costs. Additional road closures are possible as conditions are expected to remain difficult overnight.
A blizzard warning remains in effect through Monday morning. Motorists can expect challenging driving conditions in most parts of southern Minnesota through Monday.
Shelters are open for motorists:
- Owatonna Armory, I-35 Exit 41 - 2323 W Bridge St. Owatonna MN 55060.
- Ellendale Community Center, 507 2nd St S, Ellendale, MN. I-35 Exit 26 to Hwy 30 west.
- Albert Lea, 410 Prospect Ave in Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007. Use I-35 Exit 11 and take Main Street west.
Motorists can review travel conditions via 511mn.org . You can also check the X page and the MnDOT Southeast Facebook group.
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 southeast MnDOT website and look for the Winter driving updates link to sign up.
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