Stuck in a Traffic Jam --- April 24, 2022

 


Traffic Jam

By: Carrie Keiser


(Imagined from the point of view of one of these stuck truckers)

It was late April in eastern Montana I was needing to get to North Dakota with my load.  The weather forecast was not the best:



US National Weather Service Glasgow Montana 


Yesterday at 06:39

  Shared with Public



Extreme winter storm impacts are expected for portions of far eastern Montana today through Sunday morning. This includes blizzard conditions with strong north to northwest winds, heavy snow and  blowing snow. Expect visibility reductions to near zero and road closures.





So I pull into the truck stop in a small town (Glendive) 32 miles from North Dakota, its so close I can almost taste it. I shouldn’t risk the ticket of moving the barricades.  The Town Pump Truck stop is packed!


I pull in fuel up and search the parking lot for a place I can squeeze my truck in. It’s tight everywhere, but I finally find a spot.  It’s a good thing I keep several books and cards with me, It could be a long wait. I decide to go in the station and look around maybe grab some snacks and a soda.  

I get back to my truck, settle in to make a few calls: one to dispatch to let them know I’m not going to make my deadline and then one to my wife to keep her up to date on my progress.  

Later I play a couple hands of Solitaire and read a few chapters of my book, finally sleep consumed me.  

Wake up Sunday morning and check the weather again:


US National Weather Service Glasgow Montana 


Shared with Public



Glendive Police Department


Shared with Public

Travelers - We understand the frustration right now, but we do not have an update on when I-94 Eastbound will be opened up. Currently, ND 94 from the Border to Mandan is also closed. 

We do suggest to hunker down here in Glendive where there are supplies and places to stay versus the ND Border where there is none.




It doesn’t look good and I think I will head back to the truck stop after I find some food.  Life sure is unpredictable when you drive a semi long haul across this country of ours. I’m stuck in a traffic jam! 





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