Interstates re-open; driving conditions difficult Friday

The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety say Interstate 29 from Sioux Falls to the North Dakota border re-opened at 7:30 a.m. this morning (Friday).

That means all portions of Interstate 29 and Interstate 90 that were closed in South Dakota Thursday night will be reopened.

Officials advise motorists that driving conditions remain difficult throughout much of the state. Roadways, especially across the eastern part of the state, are ice covered, snow-packed and slippery.

Travelers today are asked to use extreme caution, take your time, reduce speed, avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt (all occupants), do not use cruise control, be prepared for changing conditions and allow extra space between you and the car in front of you. Be especially cautious around bridge ends and overpasses.

SDDOT snowplows crews are out working and motorists are reminded plows travel at 25 mph or less and to stay eight car lengths behind the plow to allow ample stopping time on icy roadways. Never pass in a snow cloud and remember, they are clearing the road in front of you.

Visit https://sd511.org, download the app (SDDOT 511) or call 5-1-1 to check the latest road conditions and travel advisories before heading out. Sign up for My511SD for closure notifications by text message or email.

If you must travel, the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety recommend travelers also take the following steps.

• Wear your seatbelt
• Travel during the day
• Drive with your headlights on (not daytime running lights) so you can be seen by other motorists from the front and rear
• Don’t use cruise control on icy or snow-covered roads
• Use highly traveled roads and highways
• Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route
• Call 511 or visit safetravelusa.com for road conditions
• Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car.  The kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water, energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel and matches
• Travel with a charged cell phone, but don’t rely on it to get you out of a bad situation
•  Change travel plans as weather conditions warrant

If you do get stranded:

• Stay in your vehicle
• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes an hour to stay warm
• When the engine is running, open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  Periodically clearing snow from the exhaust pipe will also help prevent carbon monoxide buildup
• When it’s dark outside, turn on the interior light so rescuers can see you
• Put up a distress flag, or spread a large colored cloth on the ground to attract attention from rescuers