MnDOT to reopen most southwest Minnesota highways Friday morning

Mia Laube KSTP

UPDATE 3/17/23: The Minnesota Department of Transportation says most of the highways that were closed Thursday due to weather conditions will reopen Friday at 9 a.m.

The agency says while a few segments of roadways will be closed, the no travel advisories and closures from I-90 and most state highways in the southcentral and southwest part of the state will be lifted.

The segments that will remain closed are expected to reopen later in the day Friday. Those closures are:

  • Highway 7 from Montevideo to Clara City
  • Highway 212 from Highway 75 to Granite Falls
  • Highway 14 from Florence to Tracy
  • Highway 30 from Pipestone to Woodstock

Drivers are reminded that driving on closed roads can result in a fine of up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

An interactive traffic map can be found below showing conditions across the state.

Road conditions on Highway 71 north of Windom. Credit: MnDOT

Snow and ice are still on many roads across Minnesota, and blowing snow conditions are also expected to continue Friday. CLICK HERE for the latest forecast.

INITIAL REPORT 3/16/23: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) closed highways across southwest Minnesota on Thursday night due to drifting and blowing snow, poor visibility and slick roadways.

The most up-to-date list of road closures can be found on MnDOT’s 511 website. A snapshot of state highway closures during the 8 p.m. hour can be seen below.

A screenshot of the interactive Minnesota 511 map around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, shows state highway closures in red. The majority of closed roads Thursday evening have fallen below the Minnesota River in southwest Minnesota (511mn.org)

MnDOT has issued the following statements in part regarding the department’s decision to close certain roads and issue no travel advisories:

MnDOT reminds motorists that it is illegal to travel on a closed road and if a motorist requires rescuing, they are liable for all related rescue costs.

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.

The road closures and no travel advisories are expected to remain overnight and until conditions improve on Friday.

Additional road closures or travel advisories are possible if conditions are expected to further deteriorate overnight. Motorists should monitor www.511mn.org for current road conditions.

MnDOT District 7, serving the Mankato and Windom areas, is not staffed for 24-hour coverage. Crews in southcentral and southwest Minnesota are expected to be out late tonight and will resume operations early Friday morning.

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.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Conditions have already contributed to driving problems across the state Thursday; the Minnesota State Patrol announced 125 crashes, 101 spinouts and 25 jackknifed semis on state roads from 4:30-9:30 p.m.

According to meteorologist Jonathan Yuhas, wind gusts and snowfall are expected to persist through Friday morning.

For more information, visit KSTP Traffic and Minnesota’s Weather Authority.