I-29 and I-90 Reopen in South Dakota: Reopened but Hazardous Conditions Persist

I-29 and I-90 in South Dakota reopened on March 15, 2026, despite ongoing hazardous driving conditions due to blowing snow, ice-covered roads, and high winds. Travelers are advised to reduce speed and exercise extra caution.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has announced the reopening of Interstate 29 and Interstate 90, effective as of 10 a.m. (CT) Today, Sunday, March 15, 2026. While the major interstates are now open to traffic, officials urge motorists to use extreme caution, as the effects of the recent winter storm create treacherous driving conditions.

This reopening, part of SDDOT’s ‘Winter Storm Release #2,' marks the restoration of key transportation arteries across the state. However, “No Travel Advisories” remain in effect for numerous other state highways.

Persistent Winter Hazards

Drivers who must travel today should be prepared to encounter difficult situations. A graphic provided by the SDDOT visually summarizes the continued risks:

·        Blowing Snow and Poor Visibility: Strong winds continue to lift and drift snow, severely reducing visibility for drivers.

·        Ice and Snow-Covered Roads: Plow crews have been working tirelessly, but a mix of snow and ice still covers many sections of pavement.

·        Sustained High Winds: Significant wind gusts are forecasted to continue, making vehicles difficult to control and increasing the whiteout effect.

Official Recommendations

SDDOT advises all motorists to:

1.    Reduce Travel Speed: Adjust speeds to match road and visibility conditions, not the posted limit.

2.    Use Extra Caution: Maintain larger following distances and be alert for sudden changes.

3.    Check Conditions Before Leaving: Consult multiple resources before deciding to travel.

How to Stay Informed

For real-time updates and more comprehensive information, travelers have several resources at their fingertips:

·        SD511: Visit the official 511 website at https://sd511.org, download the free SD511 mobile app, or dial 511 from any phone.

·        Text Alerts: To receive text updates specifically about South Dakota Interstate closures, text SDInterstates to 605-836-8836.

·        Winter Weather Hub: Find detailed information on SDDOT operations and road conditions at https://dot.sd.gov/travelers/travelers/winter-weather-hub/.