State highways still closed this morning in Willmar, Granite Falls, Montevideo

WILLMAR – Several stretches of state highways in west central Minnesota are still closed to traffic this morning and travel is hazardous.

Travelers should plan accordingly, said the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT closed roads last night because of blowing snow, ice and stalled vehicles and conditions have not improved.

Crews are out this morning working to open highways but MnDOT gave no indication when traffic would be allowed on the roads. It is illegal to travel on state highways that are closed.

Highways still closed include:

* Highway 23 from Willmar to Granite Falls

* Highway 71 from Willmar to Highway 14 near Sanborn

* Highway 7 from Montevideo to Highway 71

* Highway 19 from Marshall to Henderson

* Highway 67 from Highway 75 near Canby to Granite Falls

* Highway 212 from Granite Falls to Hector

* Highways in Brown County and the New Ulm area are closed as well.

According to MnDOT current driving conditions are hazardous because of ice and blowing snow, which can create periods of zero visibility without warning, and motorists should still use extreme caution when traveling.

MnDOT snow plow operators are doing their part to make highways safe, said TJ Melchor, public affairs coordinator for MnDOT.

When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

For updated information on road conditions, visit www.511mn.org or call 511.