MnDOT Shares Photos Showing Why Minnesota’s I-90 Closed During Blizzard
While the winter storm that arrived in Minnesota and Wisconsin this week didn't hit the Twin Ports area as hard as anticipated, it did bring blizzard conditions into others parts of the region.
One area hit especially hard was southwestern Minnesota, prompting the Minnesota Department of Transportation to close state highways, including I-90. They announced the closure Wednesday:
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is closing all state highways and Interstate 90 at 2 p.m. today from Worthington west to the South Dakota border, and from Worthington south to the Iowa border due to blizzard conditions creating blowing and drifting snow and significantly reducing visibility. East routes out of Worthington including I-90 and Highway 60 are expected to remain open at this time
Not only did they close I-90 from Worthington to the South Dakota border, but they closed the following highways at that time:
- Highway 270
- Highway 23
- Highway 75
- Highway 91
- Highway 59
- Highway 60
On Thursday, February 23, road conditions had improved to the point where Interstate 90 and most state highways in Nobles and Rock counties in southwest Minnesota reopened around 12:30 p.m.
MnDOT noted that while visibility had improved in these areas, there was still blowing and drifting snow, and roads were snow-covered. Motorists were advised to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.
They also released photos showing why they sometimes need to close Minnesota roads. Their Facebook post included the message, "Listen: if we have to close a highway, it's serious. And dangerous".
These massive snowdrifts we located on I-90 between Worthington and Adrian Thursday morning. MnDOT crews worked hard to clear the interstate and get it reopened.
Remember, once a MnDOT closes a road, it is illegal to travel on and if a motorist requires rescuing, they are liable for all related rescue costs.