Answer 1:The decision to close a highway is made by MnDOT staff, with input from local law enforcement and the Department of Public Safety. MnDOT makes every effort to give as much advanced warning as possible when the roads need to be closed.

Question 2: When the roads are closed, what criteria determines if they should be shut down?

Answer 2:When extreme snowfall and loss of visibility make driving dangerous, the need to close roads for the safety of both motorists and snow plow operators becomes ever important. We only close roads in extreme blizzard, whiteout conditions—when it isn’t even safe for the snow plow operators to be out. The intent is to keep the motorists in towns that can accommodate them.Keeping roads clear and open are MnDOT’s major priorities, but when it is absolutely necessary, MnDOT will close roads until they are safe for motorists to drive through.

Question 3: Where can I find information on road conditions?

Answer 3:For updated information on weather-related road conditions, call 511 or click on www.511mn.org.

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