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Minnesota DOT expands no-travel advisory for 12 counties

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota State Patrol have closed Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Osakis and Highway 10 from Moorhead to Audubon due to dangerous driving conditions. The roads will remain closed until conditions improve.

Motorists should plan accordingly. When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has expanded the no travel advisory to state and federal highways in all 12 counties in west central Minnesota:

• Becker

• Big Stone

• Clay

• Douglas

• Grant

• Mahnomen

• Otter Tail

• Pope

• Stevens

• Swift

• Traverse

• Wilkin

This includes Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Osakis, and Highway 10 from Moorhead to Audubon.

With the combination of high sustained wind speeds, wind gusts and ice covered or compacted roads, driving conditions are dangerous throughout west central Minnesota. Near zero visibility and deteriorating road conditions have contributed to several crashes and spin outs. Motorists, and especially those operating large commercial vehicles without a load, should avoid all unnecessary travel.

MnDOT snow plows are out and operate between 20 and 30 miles per hour during a snow storm. Motorists who choose to travel must reduce their speed, watch for snow plows and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

For additional tips on safe winter driving, go to mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit http://www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

http://www.mndot.gov

 

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