Iowa DOT issues travel update – portions of interstate closed
Iowa Department of Transportation
AMES, Iowa – Dec. 11, 2010: 10:15 p.m. update – Due to the whiteout conditions and additional snowfall, travel has become extremely treacherous in many parts of the state, prompting the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa State Patrol to close portions of the interstate system.
Interstate closures
* Interstate 29: The southbound and northbound lanes from Missouri Valley to Sioux City are closed. The interstate mainline closure gate is lowered at Missouri Valley.
* Interstate 80: The eastbound and westbound lanes are closed from exit 121, Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, to exit 8, near Council Bluffs.
Other road closures: For details on other state-maintained roadways, visit: www.511ia.org or call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide).
Plows pulled from the roadways: (Bolded locations are new since the last release.) Due to near zero visibility, the Iowa DOT has pulled all snowplows based in Adair, Algona, Alton, Akron, Ashton, Atlantic, Avoca, Carroll, Charles City, Cherokee, Clarion, Corning, Correctionville, Creston, Decorah, Denison, De Soto, Elkader, Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge, Garner, Gowrie, Greenfield, Ida Grove, Le Mars, Mount Ayr, New Hampton, Oakland, Onawa, Osage, Perry, Rock Rapids, Rock Valley, Rockwell City, Sac City, Sloan, Soldier, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Sway City, Waukon and West Union.
Four-lane sections of U.S. 75 from Sioux City to Merrill and U.S. 20 from Sioux City to Moville are currently being plowed; however, all other state roadways in the areas mentioned above will not be maintained. Roadways are likely to become impassable and emergency rescue could be impossible.
Snowplow operations will resume in the affected areas when visibility improves.
Iowa travel forecast: A blizzard warning remains in effect. Northwesterly winds are expected to continue at more than 40 mph, with gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph, throughout the night and gradually taper off during the day Sunday. Travelers should expect significant blowing and drifting, as well as reduced visibilities to near whiteout conditions at times. In addition, dangerous wind chill readings of 25 to 35 below zero can be expected by early Sunday morning. Snow accumulations in northeast Iowa are expected to reach nearly 10 inches. Snow accumulations in north central, central and east central Iowa should be 3 to 6 inches.
Travel conditions in neighboring states
Minnesota: The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises no unnecessary travel in southeastern Minnesota through the overnight hours, due to heavy snow, slippery conditions and reduced visibility. Westbound Interstate 90 from Albert Lea to the South Dakota border continues to be closed and will remain closed overnight. To check the latest Minnesota road conditions, visit www.511mn.org.
Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, along with the Wisconsin State Patrol, is advising motorists not travel on any Wisconsin highways now through Sunday, unless absolutely necessary. The state is under winter storm and blizzard warnings until Sunday morning. The state is experiencing heavy snow, high winds, whiteout conditions, and dangerous wind chills. I-94 between Hudson and Tomah has been declared impassable. Motorists attempting to use the interstate should make alternate plans; however, all highways are presently in a hazardous condition. Wisconsin DOT is restricting access to the interstate. To check the latest Wisconsin road conditions, visit www.511wi.gov.
