State highways and Interstate 90 in South Central Minnesota open at 10 a.m. today; many highways remain under a no travel advisory due to icy roads
MANKATO, Minn. – (9:20 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation will reopen state highways and Interstate 90 in South Central Minnesota at 10 a.m. today. These highways will remain under a no travel advisory after they reopen to traffic.
If motorists need to travel, MnDOT urges drivers to use caution as roads are completely or partially covered with ice. Strong winds are expected to continue today causing blowing and drifting snow, icy and compacted roads, and difficult driving conditions. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds and drive according to conditions.
Roads open at 10 a.m.; remain under a no travel advisory
- All state highways in Nobles, Jackson, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Martin, and Faribault counties
- I-90 from Albert Lea to Worthington
- Highway 60 from Iowa to Mankato
- Highway 15 from Iowa to Highway 19
No travel advisory removed from the following counties at 10 a.m.
- Le Sueur, Nicollet, Rock, Sibley, Waseca
No travel advisory remains
A no travel advisory remains for many state highways and I-90 in the following counties:
- Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Martin, Nobles, Watonwan.
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 whiteout conditions; and some weather conditions can be severe enough that road treatments are not effective, and conditions can become life-threatening for stranded travelers. Drivers are encouraged to check 511mn.org for current road condition information before they travel.
Motorists should:
- Check 511mn.org for road condition information, travel alerts
- Don’t drive distracted.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
- Stay alert for snowplows, which travel slower, turn often or exit frequently. Snowplows may travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to clear roads and improve conditions.
- Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.
- Turn headlights on.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
Sign up for travel alerts
Motorists can sign up for email or text travel alerts for state highways at mndot.gov/d7 by clicking “Email and text updates” under the “Connect with us” heading. Choose to receive messages via email or text message. Then, choose the “South Central MN” under the “Travel Alerts” category.
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