How You Can Navigate Tricky Winter Travel with MnDOT’s 511 App

With millions of Thanksgiving travelers hitting the road this week, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds you that they've added some new features to their 511 traveler information system.

This is your Minnesota winter travel must have app, with the latest road conditions, plow cams, accident reports, and more.

Some of the newest features include:

• Personalize your 511, where you can enter up to 20 routes that you travel regularly.
• Smart 511, where you sign-up online and then enter your phone number to get information sent to you.

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• Citizen Reporting, where you can submit driving conditions where you are.
• Traffic delay, which shows if there are any delays on your route due to a crash, construction, other incidents.
• Plow Cams, where you can see what the plow drivers are seeing.

MnDOT's web address is 511mn.org, or you can download the mobile app for free.

It appears that Mother Nature will be sparing us any significant road issues this Thanksgiving, winter driving conditions are never that far away. Snow, ice, wind, fog, and blowing snow can all add to travel difficulties during the winter months in Minnesota.

MnDOT Adds this regarding snow plow safety:

Snowplows travel much slower than the posted speeds because it is most effective for clearing roads. The driver’s field of vision is severely restricted behind the truck, and the driver must rely on mirrors to see to the rear and side of the truck.

Be patient, and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip. Stay back at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and a plow.