BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public RAdio) – So far this winter, weather conditions have caused seven closures of the state’s two Interstate highways.

The state Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation says that’s slightly above average.

Last winter, there were two closures. And the last time we had this many closures was the winter of 2018-2019.

Highway Patrol Sergeant Wade Kadrmas says the decision to close a road lies with patrol district commanders, utilizing reports from the roads themselves, and looking at weather forecasts.

Kadrmas says it may be that DOT plows can’t keep up with clearing the roads. He says a couple of multi-vehicle crashes in eastern North Dakota show the reasons for closing roads.

If you drive on a road that has been closed, you could be fined $250.