Travel Conditions Remain Dangerous But Slowly Improving

Owatonna, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reporting the northbound lanes of I-35 between Iowa border and Owatonna are now open but the southbound lanes are still closed due to the deep snow drifts from the weekend blizzard.

I-90 between Stewartville and Albert Lea also remains closed, but it has been opened between Albert Lea and Fairmont. Numerous other smaller state highways in southeastern Minnesota remain closed this afternoon, and even on the roadways that are open, authorities are recommending no travel because of the treacherous conditions in southeastern Minnesota. A MnDOT official noted the crews working to clear the deep snow are also facing the challenge of removing vehicles left by stranded motorists.

As of late Monday afternoon, travel conditions on Highway 52 and several other highways in Goodhue County had improved to the point they were being described as only partially covered by snow and ice north of Pine Island with normal winter driving conditions north of Hader.

While travel conditions were much better in Rochester than outside the city, there were still numerous weather-related incidents throughout the day. The photo below is of a semi-truck that apparently jackknifed and blocked South Broadway near 4th Street late Monday afternoon. (photo credit: Matthew Breitigan)

Rochester City Lines also announced this afternoon it was resuming its commuter bus service tomorrow. For more details, visit the KROC-AM weather closings page.