To keep drivers safe: Wisconsin DOT partners with the National Weather Service

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The timing of the state’s latest round of winter weather coincides well with an announcement made Tuesday, March 3rd regarding a new partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the National Weather Service (NWS).

“WisDOT will use its 511 travel information resources and statewide dynamic message signs (DMS) to alert Wisconsin travelers of various winter storm events,” said Paul Keltner, State Traffic Operations supervisor. “These are storms that NWS predicts will have significant impacts on highway traffic safety, such as: winter storm warnings, blizzard warnings, ice storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings.”

The weather messages will appear as scrolling alerts on WisDOT’s 511 website: www.511wi.gov; be included on the 511 automated telephone system; and displayed on DMSs, either statewide or in the affected geographic area.

Messages will include specific storm information including the event timeframe, potential impacts to travelers and recommended courses of action. As a 24/7 operation, WisDOT’s Statewide Traffic Operations Center (STOC) in Milwaukee is responsible for 511 and DMS information. STOC staff work closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor and update travel information.

“We’re pleased to partner with NWS to increase WisDOT’s commitment to keep in-state and out-of-state travelers informed and safe on our state highways,” Keltner added.

Wisconsin 511 travel information is also available on Twitter through these accounts:

@511wi                                  All of Wisconsin

@511wi_nocentral          Wausau – Rhinelander areas

@511wi_northeast          Green Bay – Appleton areas

@511wi_northwest         Eau Claire – Superior areas

@511wi_southeast         Milwaukee – Kenosha areas

@511wi_southwest        Madison – La Crosse areas