MnDOT Reopens I-35, I-90 In Southern Minnesota

ROCHESTER, MN — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has reopened the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 between Albert Lea and Owatonna and westbound Interstate 90 between Highway 52 south of Rochester and Albert Lea.

Motorists traveling on I-35 and I-90, as well as many roadways in southeast Minnesota, should expect to use caution and reduce speeds due to rough and icy road conditions. Motorists should plan for significantly longer travel times until all roads are clear of snow.

More roads are expected to open Tuesday, but much depends on the equipment and progress of removing vehicles that were stuck on the roads, according to a news release.

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. 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.

In southeast Minnesota there are 101 snowplows that work the state highways in the 11-county MnDOT District 6 plowing 3,774 lane miles.

During winter weather events, MnDOT routinely deploys two shifts of drivers in the snowplows, who can keep the snowplowing effort going around the clock by working 12-hour shifts.