No Travel Advisory Lifted On I-90 Near Rapid City

South Dakota Department of Transportation officials have lifted the No Travel Advisory on Interstate 90 between Exit 60 at Rapid City and Exit 110 at Wall.

However, fficials say freezing rain followed by snow, increased wind and colder temperatures, continue to create hazardous driving conditions on Interstate 90 and surrounding roads in western and central South Dakota. Visibility in some areas is down to less than one-eighth of a mile.

“I strongly encourage people who must travel to visit www.safetravelusa.com/sd or call 511 to check the latest road conditions and travel advisories before heading out,” said Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer.  “Keep in mind that visibility and road conditions can change rapidly as the storm passes through South Dakota.”

Travelers are reminded that Department of Transportation crews will perform winter maintenance operations into the early evening hours at which time winter maintenance will be suspended so that crews can get some rest before winter maintenance operations resume in the morning.

Blowing and drifting snow, which may continue to accumulate overnight at bridge ends and in sheltered areas, can make travel conditions extremely dangerous when combined with the dangerously cold temperatures.

        The Departments of Transportation and Public Safety recommend travelers also take the following steps.

• Call 511 or visit safetravelusa.com for road conditions
• 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
• 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

If you do get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk for help.

• 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