Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksFriday Travel Alert

Friday Travel Alert

Travel Alert issued for north central and north eastern North Dakota

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has issued a Travel Alert for north central and north eastern North Dakota including the cities of Rugby, Devils Lake, Grand Forks and surrounding areas due to blowing snow creating reduced visibility. Blowing snow is causing near zero visibility in scattered areas along Hwy 2 and north of Hwy 2. Motorists can still travel, but are encouraged to use extreme caution, reduced speeds and drive according to the conditions.

NDDOT releases information to inform the public about travel conditions throughout the state. The three categories are as follows:

1. Travel Alerts are issued to alert motorists that areas of challenging winter driving conditions may be encountered on roadways. Conditions are such that motorists can still travel; however, they should be aware that rapidly changing conditions may result in travel delays due to reduced speeds and visibility. Travel Alerts have the potential to change into a No Travel Advisory if conditions deteriorate.
2. No Travel Advisories are issued when conditions warrant no travel but not a road closure. No Travel Advisories have the potential to change to a Road Closure if conditions deteriorate. No Travel Advisories are issued for public safety to encourage motorists not to venture out onto the roads. Motorists are urged to take No Travel Advisories seriously. Conditions change often during a storm event and motorists may become stranded if they are caught between destinations.
3. Roads are closed when conditions create a life-threatening danger to motorists. The roadway is impassable and it is against the law to drive past a road closure device on a closed road. Motorists should obey road closures, even when a sign or a gate is not present.

All travelers are encouraged to monitor road conditions, reduce traffic speeds 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.