Wisconsin DOT
(WTAQ-WLUK) — The 511 Wisconsin App, operated by the Wisconsin DOT, monitors winter road conditions across the state.
Many use it for their daily commute, while others use it as part of their job.
“A lot of USPS drivers, a lot of UPS drivers, Amazon drivers, a lot of them use this app so they can check out their scheduled routes every day,” said Scott Rippe, who operates a Facebook blog for weather forecasts.
In December, the DOT removed the previous labels including “slippery”, “snow/ice covered” and “not advised.”
The Wisconsin DOT provided a statement that read in part:
Rapidly changing conditions affect the accuracy of the small changes between icy and snow covered roadways, so previous reports show on 511 Wisconsin did not quickly reflect actual conditions.
Rippe, a native of Mount Horeb, created a petition on Change.org to bring back the old way of labeling roadways.
“The traction that we’re able to get on the roads is really important, and when 511 Wisconsin decided to change the way they communicate with folks, I found that really concerning,” he said.
Rippe continued, “We’re visual, right? We like to be able to look at that. We like to be able to see that. Where should I slow down? Where might there be problems?”
The Wisconsin DOT added:
… the new winter road condition categories are intended to better reflect actual road conditions and streamline delivery of information with five conditions: Normal, Partially Covered, Completely Covered, Travel Not Advised, and No Report.
Rippe said that’s not enough.
“But it doesn’t tell you covered with what. If it’s covered with ice, well, we got problems,” he explained. “If it’s just, you know, if it’s a little bit of snow, we’re from Wisconsin, we can deal.”
The DOT says the app should not be used as the only factor in deciding whether to travel, encouraging drivers to use the radio, television and weather apps.
You can read the full statement from the Wisconsin DOT below:
Road conditions during Wisconsin’s winters can change in the blink of an eye and drivers must expect the unexpected. We continually look for ways to improve traveler information for Wisconsin roads and the new winter road condition categories are intended to better reflect actual road conditions and streamline delivery of information with five conditions: Normal, Partially Covered, Completely Covered, Travel Not Advised, and No Report.
Road conditions on 511 Wisconsin are calculated using weather and pavement computer models. Rapidly changing conditions affect the accuracy of the small changes between icy and snow covered roadways, so previous reports shown on 511 Wisconsin did not quickly reflect actual conditions. Historically law enforcement – while handling other priorities on the road – would provide intermittent field reports of road conditions, and operators at the Traffic Management Center can also manually update and verify the winter road conditions using traffic cameras across the state. We will continue to leverage technology and equipment to better show actual winter road conditions. In addition, our neighboring states (Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois) also have similar winter road condition categories, so we join other Midwest states with consistent reporting while minimizing confusion for travelers.
We recognize this is an adjustment period for travelers and while we continue to improve the functionality of 511 Wisconsin, the information reported via 511Wisconsin should not be used as the only factor in determining whether to travel. We advise travelers to use various resources (radio, television, weather apps, etc.) to make an informed decision before you travel. We also value the partnership between WisDOT and media outlets to share the information from 511 Wisconsin. Regardless of which winter road condition is listed for your route, we always urge motorists to drive for conditions, leave room to brake and give space to snow plows and emergency responders.
WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
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