CLEAR LAKE – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) are planning to reopen Interstate 35 early this afternoon. The agencies had closed I-35 from Ames to Clear Lake, and later to the Minnesota state line, on December 28 as it had become impassable due to winter roadway conditions and almost zero visibility from blowing snow.
As conditions improve, state and local agencies will continue to work through the morning of December 29 to remove disabled vehicles from traffic lanes and to complete snow and ice removal to ensure the roadway is safe for driving.
Iowa DOT and DPS still do not advise travelers to seek alternate routes until later in the day, as these are likely to be hazardous and have very limited access to shelter and traveler services. Iowa DOT and DPS are also coordinating with officials in the state of Minnesota, who had closed segments of I-35 due to the winter storm.
Conditions across Iowa continue to be challenging for travel on all roadways. Drivers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary trips. Check Iowa 511 for roadway conditions. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide).
Earlier, a 14-vehicle crash was reported at the 42 mile marker on northbound Interstate 35. In many areas, snowplows were pulled from the roadways until Monday, but now seem to be out working to clear the snow.