I90 is now completely open, travel hazards remain

From the State of South Dakota:

PIERRE, S.D. – Officials say Interstate 90 is now completely open, with the last stretch from Wall to Chamberlain opened at 10 a.m. CDT, both east and westbound lanes.

At the same time, DOT crews continue to clean up blizzard-impacted state and local highways located through the central and northeastern parts of the state. Heavy drifting and stalled vehicles have hampered efforts. Officials say that work will continue through Friday.

Significant flooding continues in the south central, southeastern and eastern parts of the state. Drivers are asked to turn around and not drive through floodwaters as the roadway may be washed away underneath.

Even as travel advisories are lifted, motorists are cautioned to remember winter driving conditions still exist across the state and if you must travel to slow down, keep the cruise off and give plow drivers and emergency responders room to work.

Drivers are reminded to check www.safetravelusa.com/sd or call 5-1-1 before travelling to view road conditions, No Travel Advisories, flooded roadways and roads marked as impassable.

If you are travelling today, the departments of Transportation and Public Safety recommend motorists 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
• 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