MnDOT’s New Winter Road Descriptions

Remember last year and the winter that would never quit? If you were like me, you were always checking MnDOT's 511 Traveler Information website or app to see what the roads were like. You'd see terms like "fair driving condition" or "good winter driving condition." But what did those terms really mean? That's why, starting this later year, you'll see all-new winter road descriptions on MnDOT's website and apps.

According to KTTC, the changes are as follows: "Old winter road descriptions used by MnDOT were ‘good,' ‘fair,' ‘difficult' and ‘hazardous/travel not advised.' The new descriptions are ‘normal,' ‘partially covered,' ‘completely covered,' ‘travel not advised' and ‘closed.'

511 Coordinator Kelly Braunig said the changes were made because the descriptions were subjective and the public didn't always understand or look at the meanings listed on the 511 website.

“We were getting a fair amount of complaints,” she said. “An interpretation of good or fair might be completely different from person to person. We listened to our users and made improvements.”

You can check MnDOT's full descriptions HERE. The new terms do sound like they more fully explain the actual conditions on area roads. I just hope we don't have to use them too soon-- or too long next spring!