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The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened the both lanes of I-70 after more than a foot of snow forced closures along the interstate.
Earlier Thursday, KDOT closed both directions of I-70 from Salina west to Goodland.
Mike King, K-DOT secretary, said more than 1,000 snowplow drivers are working two shifts to keep mainline Kansas roads open and passable. They are using several types of treatments to help clear the roads. Salt and sand trucks will be treating highways and bridges as temperatures dip overnight.
The Kansas National Guard sent soldiers and Humvees to patrol I-70 earlier in the day to search for stranded travelers and take them to the nearest town with available hotel space.
Despite the heavy snow, troopers said there have been relatively few serious accidents and no fatalities due to the weather.
K-DOT chooses where to shut down the highway based on road conditions and hotel accommodations. Hotel rooms in both Hays and Salina are hard to come by because of state wrestling tournaments tomorrow and Saturday.
For up to date road closures and conditions, call 511 or click here.