PIERRE, S.D. – Officials are opening Interstate 90 effective at 7 a.m. this morning (Sunday March 10) between Wall and Mitchell.
Interstate 29 remains closed from Watertown to the North Dakota border as winds are still high and causing heavy drifting in the northeast part of the state. Please do not anticipate the reopening of I-29 and park on the Interstate. This creates a traffic hazard for DOT crews working to clear the roadway as well as other motorists.
Motorists are cautioned to remember winter driving conditions still exist. Crews are out plowing and applying chemical, but roads are still icy and snow-packed and slippery.
Drivers are also asked to check safetravelusa.com/sd or call 5-1-1 before travelling this morning as there are still numerous No Travel Advisories along with some road impassable notices in the north-western and north central part of the state.
If you are travelling today, the departments of Transportation and Public Safety recommend motorists also take the following steps.
- Wear your seatbelt
- Travel during the day
- Drive with your headlights on (not daytime running lights) so you can be seen by other motorists from the front and rear
- Don’t use cruise control on icy or snow-covered roads
- Use highly traveled roads and highways
- Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route
- Call 5-1-1 or visit safetravelusa.com for road conditions
- Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car. The kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water, energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel and matches
- Travel with a charged cell phone, but don’t rely on it to get you out of a bad situation
§ Change travel plans as weather conditions warrant
If you do get stranded:
§ Stay in your vehicle
- Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes an hour to stay warm
- When the engine is running, open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clearing snow from the exhaust pipe will also help prevent carbon monoxide buildup
- When it’s dark outside, turn on the interior light so rescuers can see you
- Put up a distress flag, or spread a large colored cloth on the ground to attract attention from rescuers