Question:I’m writing about a traffic situation we encountered on Saturday, November 19, 2011 and wondering what we could have done differently to ensure our safe trip home. When we left Minneapolis, heading toward East Grand Forks, Interstate 94 was very slippery and traffic was slow moving. At St Cloud we found the interstate was closed. With several hundred other vehicles we were forced to take exit #167, which was a two lane road. My question is, why wasn’t there any information available to us as to why the road was closed and how do we proceed with our trip home? We called 511 on our cell and were informed there were no problems on Interstate 94. I then called a relative who resides in St Cloud to ask about a radio station that would give safety notices. None were available. Our GPS unit kept trying to detour us around the block to return to Interstate 94, not knowing that it was closed. We made our way to Highway 10 without any law enforcement traffic control assistance. We tried 511 again about one hour later and there were still no reports of any problems on the Interstate 94 route. It wasn’t until we arrived home that we heard there was a large pile up on the Interstate between St Cloud and Alexandria. Question, is there a better media source to use in such a situation?
Answer:I do recall this weekend in particular. It has been the busiest for weather related activity this winter season for the Minnesota State Patrol, and in particular that central Minnesota, St. Cloud area. To get to your question as to “… why wasn’t there any information available to us as to why the road was closed…”; I am not fully aware why. Some of the information that the State Patrol uses when we are responding and attendingto crashes or other similar events is automatically taken and exported to the computer system MNDOT uses, thus automatically providing the information to the “511”system. To answer the other part of your question “…how do we proceed with our trip home?”; Let me say this, don’t get too comfortable with technology. I enjoy the luxury of having information at the push of a button such as GPS or other means (511, etc.), but also keep “Murphy’s Law” in mind. My advice and what I also follow:
1. Carry a map. Not just an atlas but a very detailed state map.
2. Know an alternate route.
3. Always allow plenty of time for travel, especially when traveling in Minnesota during the winter.
The 511 service is evolving and always striving to improve. I have seen changes within the last year and believe is will keep growing. Also keep in mind:
– Weather and road conditions change rapidly, and the information reported here should not be used as the only factor in determining whether to travel in a particular area. Motorists are cautioned to be alert to changing circumstances and adjust their driving accordingly.
– The Minnesota Department of Transportation provides this information as a public service. Reports are based on the information available at the time of preparation and cannot be guaranteed as to accuracy or timeliness. Actual conditions may vary from those reported.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us