Transportation officials have released additional information following the blizzard that forced the closure of Interstate 35 and other rural roads across north-central Iowa. The storm began Sunday (12/28) morning, with strong winds and blowing snow creating hazardous travel conditions that continued into Monday (12/29).
The Iowa Department of Transportation says Interstate 35 reopened Monday afternoon after being closed Sunday due to impassable conditions, blowing snow, and near-zero visibility. Crews spent much of Monday morning removing disabled vehicles and continuing snow and ice removal before reopening the roadway. Despite the reopening, Iowa DOT reports portions of I-35 remain ice covered, with travel slow and dangerous in spots. Several tow bans were also in place as crews worked to clear stranded vehicles.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office media log reported dozens of vehicle off roadway, motorist assist, and property damage calls between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday, primarily along Interstate 35 and in western parts of the county. The Franklin County Engineer’s Office reported Balsam Avenue between Highway 3 and Cerro Gordo Street was closed Monday morning due to stranded vehicles but reopened shortly after noon.
Statewide, the Iowa State Patrol reported 193 calls for service as of Monday morning, including 37 crashes, 156 motorist assists, 12 injury crashes, and one fatal crash. No additional details have been released. Officials continue to urge motorists to check road conditions on Iowa 511 before traveling.
