The Nebraska Dept of Transportation, Nebraska State Patrol, and the National Weather Service have unveiled an updated version of Nebraska 511, the road condition information system.
Nebraska 511 has been a staple for residents and visitors alike for more than two decades, providing information on construction, road conditions, closures, lane restrictions, highway cameras, and other important information.
Begun as a phone service and now with web and mobile apps as well, Nebraska 511 was used 1.5-million times in the past 12 months – with the update promising to bring better service in planning for winter travel.
The new features include integrated weather, dedicated information for commercial carriers, overhead digital message signs, updated icons and an improved user interface.
In addition to unveiling those upgrades, the 3 agencies on Monday also highlighted the importance of preparing for winter weather as the season rapidly approaches – including checking Nebraska 511 before leaving anytime with a chance of bad weather.
As always, motorists were urged to have a winter travel kit in their car with warm clothing, water, food, and other basic items as well to travel only on well-established routes during severe weather and to let someone know when you leave.
Other reminders include allowing plenty of time to reach your destination, slow down when you approach snowplows and give them plenty of room because it’s against the law to be closer than 100-feet of a working plow outside cities.
Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt and children are in a care safety seat, don’t use cruise control in wet or snowy weather, and don’t hesitate to use the State Patrol Highway Helpline – available 24/7 by dialing *55 from any cell phone.