US Highway 85 blocked from ND 50 to ND 5

US Highway 85 is blocked from the junction of ND 50 to ND 5 in northwest North Dakota due to heavy snow drifts. In addition, ND Highway 50 is blocked from the junction of US 85 to ND 42 near Alamo due to a traffic incident.

Motorists should be advised that snowplow operators have been working since early morning hours and throughout the day and are being pulled from the roadways in the Dickinson, Williston, rural areas around Minot, and areas north of Devils Lake at this time. NDDOT snowplows will resume operation early tomorrow morning when it is safe to do so. Motorists should be advised that snow drifts may be encountered at structures and sheltered areas and additional roadways may become blocked overnight in these part of the state. Motorists should not travel in these areas.

In addition, a Travel Alert has been issued for the Bismarck area due to blowing snow causing reduced visibility. Roadways may turn to ice overnight as temperatures drop. Conditions are such that motorists can still travel, but should be advised that challenging winter driving conditions may exist. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.

As a reminder, a No Travel Advisory is in effect for Dickinson, Williston, Minot and areas north of US 2 in the northeast portion of the state due to blowing snow creating near zero visibility in these areas. Motorists are reminded that a No Travel Advisory means hazardous conditions exist making it unsafe to travel. A Travel Alert remains in effect for Jamestown, Valley City, Fargo, Wahpeton, areas south of Devils Lake and Grand Forks.

All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions as weather conditions occur and use caution while traveling. For road information, call 511 from any type of phone or go to the website: www.dot.nd.gov. NDDOT releases information to inform the public about travel conditions throughout the state. The three categories are as follows:

1. TRAVEL ALERT – Motorists can still travel but may encounter areas of challenging winter weather driving conditions on roadways. Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination and be alert to conditions that may make travel difficult, change rapidly, or cause travel delays. A TRAVEL ALERT has the potential to change to a NO TRAVEL ADVISED if conditions deteriorate.

2. NO TRAVEL ADVISED – Motorists should not travel due to hazardous conditions which may make it unsafe to travel. Snowplows may be pulled from the roads during severe conditions. Motorists should take NO TRAVEL ADVISED seriously as those motorists who choose to travel at their own risk may become stranded and emergency responders may not be able to reach them safely. A NO TRAVEL ADVISED has the potential to change to a ROAD CLOSED OR BLOCKED if conditions deteriorate.

3. ROAD CLOSED OR BLOCKED – Motorists are not allowed to travel on a closed road due to life threatening conditions. The road may be impassible or blocked. Motorists who drive past a road closure device may be fined up to $250.

Please be advised that road condition information on 511 and the travel map is updated daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. CDT. The road report is based upon the information available to the NDDOT at the time of preparation and is provided solely as a public service. Conditions may vary from those reported.

If you become stranded, motorists should stay with their vehicle and call 911 for emergency assistance.

Tags: us, highway, 85, blocked, news, weather, travel, updates