Section of I-90 reopens, but other interstate closures are planned

Interstate 90 remains closed from Chamberlain to Rapid City, but the previously closed segment from Rapid City to Wyoming has reopened.

Due to the continued impact of the strong winter storm system moving through the state, the South Dakota Department of Transportation said in a news release that it anticipates closing I-90 from Chamberlain to Mitchell later today, and also anticipates closing I-29 from Watertown to North Dakota later today.

I-90 update 

Since Tuesday, I-90 had been closed (westbound and eastbound) from Chamberlain to the Wyoming state line.

As of noon Mountain/1 p.m. Central today, Interstate 90 from Rapid City to the Wyoming state line has reopened. Travelers should expect to encounter slippery road conditions with continued areas of blowing snow. Snow removal equipment will be working. Extra caution is advised when approaching snow removal equipment.

Assessment of conditions and forecasts is ongoing. At this point, the I-90 closure from Rapid City to Chamberlain is expected to remain in place overnight.

Officials anticipate closing I-90 from Chamberlain to Mitchell late afternoon or early evening today. The combination of newly developing snow and sustained winds will make I-90 impassable during the evening and overnight hours.

Truck parking is full in Chamberlain. Officials ask that semi drivers consider long-term parking options between Sioux Falls and Mitchell areas east of the closure.

I-29 update 

Officials anticipate closing I-29 (both northbound and southbound) from the city of Watertown to the North Dakota border late afternoon or early evening today. The combination of newly developing snow and sustained winds will make I-29 impassable during the evening and overnight hours.

Road conditions across the state

Accumulating snow and strong winds will continue to make secondary highways impassable over an extended period of time with many state highways posting no-travel advisories. Many vehicles have become stuck and stranded in an attempt to travel on these state highways to avoid interstate closures. These vehicles will create hazards for snowplow operators and may delay getting the sections of highway cleared.

State officials are asking people to avoid travel. For the latest on road and weather conditions, visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.