Last weeks winter storm put a stop to many of the activities that we normally do. For travelers who assume that traversing across the state on I 90 will be a breeze were not prepared for what the wind brought in. When the Interstate was shut down from Wyoming to Mitchell during the worst of the storm travelers looked for better advice on continuing their journey. Craig Smith, Director of Operations with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, said that travelers used their smart phones to find a way around the closed section of Interstate highway.
On SD highway 34 a 16 mile section in Buffalo County was like many bad sections of secondary roads across the state. When the storm finally broke and crews were able to make there way to the stranded motorists they found nearly 35 vehicles stuck in that area. When asked why they chose that option instead of waiting the storm out, Smith said many drivers pointed to their phone saying Google and Apple services gave them the suggested diversion. He said they are limited in ways to correct that issue.
The state Dot 511 system has made many improvements in their service which they hope will continue to give potential travelers good information to make better decisions.
Travel conditions, road closures pictures of road conditions and more is online at sd511.org. When on the road recorded information on roads is also available by calling 511.