NEWBERRY – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding motorists to heed all weather-related road closures for their own safety and the safety of road maintenance crews.

Recent harsh weather conditions in Marquette and Alger counties have created whiteout conditions and forced multiple closures of M-28 between the cities of Marquette and Munising in the Upper Peninsula. U.S. 2 from Rapid River to Manistique and U.S. 41 from Rapid River to Trenary were also closed during a blizzard Feb. 14.

MDOT said the road closures are put in place for the safety of drivers and the maintenance workers working o clear them.

“It’s very important for everyone to realize that when roads are closed they’re closed for a reason,” said Pete Paramski, manager of MDOT’s Newberry Transportation Service Center.

Paramski said that motorists should never bypass a road closure barrier, even if crews are plowing beyond or around the barrier.

“When you enter a closed section of roadway, you inhibit the ability of crews to clear the roads and you pose a real danger to plow operators and yourself,” Paramski said.

It is against the law to drive on a closed highway and Paramski said law enforcement officers will issue tickets.