Know before you go
Winter road condition reports on 511wi.gov

For the Press Times
MADISON – Winter is here with the first accumulating snow across Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is encouraging drivers to visit 511wi.gov to view the expanded and improved winter road conditions layer on Wisconsin roadways.

“Weather in Wisconsin means driving conditions can change in an instant,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and get their vehicle ready for winter driving.
“Our free, easy-to-use 511 Wisconsin system can provide the clearest and most accurate travel information to prepare for the road ahead.”

“WisDOT leveraged technology in January 2022 to share winter road conditions for more than 14,000 miles of roadway, which is updated at least twice hourly, 24 hours a day,” a DOT release stated.

“In addition to the winter road conditions, travelers are encouraged to check live traffic cameras along their route.

“Both the winter road condition reporting and camera system have been significantly upgraded in the past year.”

WisDOT also reminds drivers to buckle up, phone down – every trip, every time. Always expect the unexpected when driving in a Wisconsin winter.

Also, in the event of a storm, try to refrain completely from travel in order to give winter maintenance crews room to work.

How to use the winter road condition system
Visit 511wi.gov online, or download the 511 Wisconsin smartphone app. In the map legend, make sure “winter road conditions” is checked.

Look for the colors outlining the roadways near you
The colors are listed from best to worst: good winter driving (green), slippery stretches (purple), snow covered (blue), ice covered (red), and travel not advised (black).