DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – Spring rain, melting
snow and culverts and catch basins plugged with ice can cause water to
back up onto highways. The Minnesota Department of Transportation wants
to remind motorists to be watchful for flooded areas as water can rise
quickly.
In
many areas, ditches are filled with snow and the roadway shoulders have
high banks of snow. MnDOT crews have already been working to push back
snowbanks and clear catch basins, and will continue working with law
enforcement to monitor conditions. If flooding occurs, lanes or other
sections of highway may need to be closed with barricades and other
traffic control devices.
MnDOT
wants to remind all motorists that driving through standing or moving
water is dangerous and that it is unlawful to drive through areas where
roads are barricaded. Vehicles can be swept away in only several inches
of moving water.
For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
