MnDOT, MSP Crews Clear Snow Before Holiday Travel
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Approximately 1,500 plow drivers were all over Minnesota roads taking care of the overnight snow in anticipation of one of the busiest travel days of the year.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported a few road closures overnight due to crashes from the recent bout of snow. From 2 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Wednesday, there were 277 crashes -- two fatal -- and 358 spinouts statewide.
Highway 52 was closed in both directions south of the Twin Cities near Hampton. All lanes were blocked by an accident involving a semi truck. MnDOT said that stretch would be closed until 4 p.m.
Also, southbound Highway 3 was closed between Rosemount and Farmington. Another semi truck jackknifed somewhere between 170th and 194th Streets West.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was also dealing with a fair amount of snow. MSP Director of Public Affairs and Marketing Patrick Hogan said 110,000 to 120,000 people will fly in and out of the airport Wednesday.
Crews worked overnight to make sure the runways were clear for people flying to their destination. Once the snow is collected, it goes into one of 15 snow melters. They melt 120 tons of snow an hour.
MSP Airport said travelers shouldn't worry too much about this storm delaying their plans. According to Hogan, no flight were delayed because of local weather. In total, twelve flights were delayed.
Hogan also said lines were moving smoothly, which he credited to having additional Transportation Security Administration agents.
Additionally, both Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric reported some power outages Wednesday morning. The latter reported some blackouts in Eagan, Burnsville and Lakeville. Xcel said about 1,000 customers were affected in the west and south metro, and about 1,900 in the St. Croix Falls area.
