MnDOT Reopens I-90 and I-35 in Minnesota

Highways still have ice and snow, but conditions expected to improve in coming days

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:18pm

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced on Monday that it has reopened I-90 west of Albert Lea to Worthington and I-35 southbound south of Albert Lea. While the roads have been reopened, MnDOT warned that state highways in many areas remain compacted with ice and snow, making for slow travel.

Why it matters

The reopening of these major highways is crucial for travel and commerce in the region, as I-90 and I-35 are important transportation corridors. However, the lingering ice and snow pose safety risks and could continue to disrupt travel in the area.

The details

MnDOT said its snowplows are working to loosen the compaction and push back drifting snow, using ice breakers, large snowblowers, and salt. The agency has also lifted its no travel advisory in southeast Minnesota, but many roads are still listed as fully covered with snow and ice. MnDOT expects road conditions to slowly improve in the next few days, and is encouraging drivers to slow down, use longer following distances, and give snowplows plenty of room.

  • MnDOT announced the reopenings on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Minnesota's transportation infrastructure, including highways, roads, and bridges.

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What’s next

MnDOT will continue to monitor road conditions and work to further improve them in the coming days.

The takeaway

While the reopening of I-90 and I-35 is a positive step, drivers in the region should still exercise caution due to the lingering ice and snow on the roads, and allow extra time for their travels.