Blowing dust is being blamed for a series of accidents in the southbound lanes of State Route 347.

 

There is a traffic back-up of about 2 miles from the Riggs Road interchange, according to the state’s Department of Transportation.

 

Two crashes have been reported south of Riggs Road in the southbound lanes. SR 347 is closed southbound at Riggs. Southbound traffic will be directed to Riggs Road and east to Interstate 10. The northbound lanes of SR 347 are closed at Casa Blanca Road. Drivers will be routed to eastbound Casa Blanca Road to return to I-10.

 

Motorists should plan for heavy delays and try to avoid the area. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway.

 

The National Weather Service has issued a blowing dust advisory in the area until 8 p.m. Expect gusts of 30-35 mph and visibility of less than a mile. This can lead to hazardous travel conditions.

 

If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park, turn off the lights and keep your foot off the brake pedal.