ROADSIDE CHAT – DID WINTER STOP? PROBABLY NOT - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
This week’s January thaw has felt amazing! The welcomed break from winter makes us wonder if the cold season’s releasing its grip for good. Punxsutawney Phil’s visit this weekend reminds us the end is clearly within sight, but as Iowans, we know winter’s tricks. So, we won’t be surprised when it makes its return. Because it will. The question is, are we prepared to navigate our routes when the next system lands?
At the Iowa DOT, we know you can respond better to conditions you can anticipate. We’re working every day on ways to help you be more prepared for winter driving. One of the best tools to help you know what to expect on the roads before you go is the Iowa 511 app. It is designed to provide real-time traffic information for interstates, and state and U.S. highways across the state and beyond.
And the good news is you can get your traveler information on all types of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones through the 511 website at www.511ia.org or by downloading the app on any device that use the iOS and Android platforms.
511 includes a map that allows you to zoom into areas and tappable icons that allow you to get more information about traffic events. It displays multiple layers of features including these and many more:
- Road conditions
- Snowplow locations
- Construction projects
- Unplanned events
- Rest areas
- Weather radar
If it's time to take your travel game to a new level, you can create a 511 account to access the information you want when you need it most. A personalized account allows you to tailor your Iowa and regional routes to surrounding states, select your favorite traffic cameras, and receive timely alerts via text or email.
The 511 system also includes a telephone option which is interactive and voice-activated. You can access it by calling 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide). You can also connect with 511 on one of our social media accounts on X and Facebook.
In 2025 in Iowa, 16 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of seven since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 352 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf