MANKATO, Minn. — (10:05 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has lifted the no travel advisory for southcentral and southwest Minnesota that was issued earlier this morning due to heavy snow and high winds creating near zero visibility in the following counties: Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Watonwan, Faribault, Rock and Nobles.
Motorists should use caution when traveling, as many roads are still fully covered with snow and slippery.
MnDOT reminds motorists to be patient while snowplow operators work to improve driving conditions. The majority of snowplow crashes take place during “clean up” when motorists resume their normal speeds.
The public can view winter road conditions from real-time plow cameras available through the 511mn.org website. Please note that not all plows have cameras.
In southcentral and southwest Minnesota there are 83 snowplows that work to state highways in the 13-county MnDOT District 7. In southcentral and southwest Minnesota, MnDOT plows 3,325 lane miles. An average route for drivers is 34 miles. MnDOT snowplow operators are doing their part to make highways safe.
Check road conditions at 511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. Plows may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.