Travel Map Updated
|  Video
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| Amanda Tetlak |
| 12/17/2009 |
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| Last winter, many North Dakotans were introduced to the Department of Transportation`s travel map. It may have been a lifesaver for some. While no one wants to contend with another winter like that this year, when the snow and ice come, the DOT wants drivers to be prepared before hitting the road. The DOT has put three maps into one for drivers to get all the travel information they need in one place. It`s never fun driving in bad weather. But if you must, the DOT wants you to know what you`re up against by checking out road conditions on its online travel map. "It`s our hope the public will continue to utilize these tools so they can arrive at their destination safely throughout this winter season," says IT director Russ Buchholz. Enhanced features to the system include the ability to choose features on the map such as road conditions, load restrictions, work zones, weather radar, and live weather cameras in many North Dakota cities. "Hover over those icons and we can show the conditions of that area, for example in Bowman," says Buchholz. The map is updated frequently, especially during an extreme weather event, because of the many DOT employees working throughout the state. "Our employees are the eyes and ears out on the road and they`re the ones who call us and tell us what`s going on on the road, and so that helps us tell the public what`s going on, no matter which location they`re going to," says Peggy Anderson with the DOT. The state`s 511 calling system has also been updated for drivers to choose routes by touch tone and voice activation. Callers no longer need to input a specific mile marker, listen to all segments of the roadway or listen to conditions that may not affect their travels. The bottom line is the DOT wants to make sure drivers are prepared to hit the road. "They need a winter survival kit, they need to be informed either by calling our 511 system or using our new travel information map. They need to slow down and pay attention to changing driving conditions," says Buchholz. Because if you must brave the weather, it`s best to know before you go. The travel map and 511 calling system information are on the travel section of the DOT website: www.dot.nd.gov |
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