Drivers Patiently Await Better Conditions

Travel is getting back to normal across KELOLAND, but the blizzard and resulting interstate closures put many of those who depend on the roads behind schedule. 

“Been here since Saturday evening.  Drinking coffee, eating pizza and watching TV.  That's about it," Eric Holt said as he waited for Interstate 90 to open.

Holt is from Tennessee and was trying to get to Montana when the interstate closed and forced this pit stop at a truck stop.  For Holt, this is a bit of an uncharted territory.

"No, not much.  We had a blizzard back in 1993, but not like this all the time, rarely," Holt said.

And even though everybody is anxious to get back out on the road, they know there's a strategy in when to leave the comfort of the truck stop and when to wait.

"I don't want to be one of the first ones to leave.  That's what I told him; he's in a hurry to leave here.  First ones to leave will be stacking up," Robert Kolodzik said.

Kolodzik is also trying to get to Montana.  He says that while nobody likes being stuck while waiting for better conditions, he also knows that an open road doesn't equal easy driving.

"Just kind of watch the way they go around us.  Don't speed up, get in front of us and then stop because we can't stop like normal people," Kolodzik said.

"Just reduce your speed and drive like you've got a little sense.  That's about it," Holt said.

And that's the plan until roads are completely clear.