BISMARCK, N.D. — Various major roadways in eastern North Dakota were closed Friday night due to icy roads and near-zero visibility.
Closures included Interstate 29 from Fargo to the South Dakota border and Interstate 94 from Fargo to Bismarck.
The interstates were reopened mid-morning on Saturday.
The closures began at 7 p.m. Friday, according to a release from the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Motorists are not allowed on the closed interstate; those who drive past a road closure device could be fined up to $250, the patrol said.
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A passenger bus already fell victim to the elements Friday, getting stuck along I-94.
Another bus was called to pick up the passengers, according to a passing motorist from Fargo who had been driving on I-94 but was forced to turn back due to treacherous conditions.
Captain Bryan Niewind with the North Dakota Highway Patrol confirmed that all the passengers on the bus were safely put on the new bus. The original bus had slid into the median and got stuck west of Casselton, Niewind said.
“We have had no crashes today that have involved injuries,” Niewind said Friday night.
To check road conditions throughout the state, readers can call 511 or visit the ND Roads map at travel.dot.nd.gov.
"Motorists should be warned that secondary roads across North Dakota could become blocked or impassable due to the significant snowfall and high winds creating severe snow drifts on the highways," the NDDOT said. "Snow drifts are more prevalent at structures and sheltered areas. Vehicles may become stranded and emergency responders may not be able to reach you safely."
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