Get Road Information Through Web, 511 System App
With a winter weather event in the forecast, South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) employees are prepared to work around the clock to ensure motorists are as safe as possible when traveling on our state’s roads and bridges.
SCDOT crews, particularly in the Upstate of South Carolina, began anti-icing pretreating operations on Sunday, Feb. 15. Crews in other parts of the state remain on standby.
SCDOT crews in the Upstate region, and other areas as needed, will continue pre-treating operations Monday morning and are anticipated to switch over to a response mode Monday afternoon. For the safety of motorists and our SCDOT employees, SCDOT urges safety when traveling near heavy equipment vehicles conducting weather related operations. Drivers should also exercise caution while driving during winter weather conditions by following the winter weather driving tips posted by the SC Department of Public Safety on their website.
There are many ways the public can stay informed of the latest road conditions.
On the Web:
· Visit SCDOT’s website: www.scdot.org. Under quick links, click on SC Road Conditions and then “Winter Weather.” This page is activated at times when snow and ice conditions may affect South Carolina highways. The reports are updated around the clock by SCDOT personnel. Conditions are listed for freeways and state primary highways, which are first to be cleared during inclement winter weather.
· Visit www.511sc.org for SCDOT’s Traveler Information System, which provides traffic streaming, travel time estimates, traffic speeds and other technological tools to help motorists navigate South Carolina’s roadways. The 511 system provides real-time traffic information on all South Carolina Interstate highways and major highways along the coast. The statewide system provides information on construction projects, lane closures, crashes, congestion and severe weather affecting traffic.
By Smartphone:
· SCDOT is has a free 511 application, “SCDOT 511” for smartphones and tablets. Links to download the applications are on the 511 website under “Extras” and “511 Tools.” Do not use these applications while you are driving. Be safe and either pull over or have a passenger access while in a motor vehicle.
On Twitter:
· Information on real-time incidents (such as lane closures due to accidents) is available through SCDOT Twitter links divided into four geographic regions of the state:
@SCDOTMidlands
@SCDOTPiedmont
@SCDOTLowCountry
@SCDOTPeeDee
In a winter weather emergency, SCDOT employees follow a designated plan in each county. Interstate highways are the first priority, followed by primary routes and areas near medical facilities and emergency shelters. SCDOT has agreements with contractors and local governments to provide additional equipment and manpower when needed.
SCDOT employees work 12-hour shifts of pre-emptive ice treatments, snow plowing, and spreading salt and other materials to achieve safer, improved road conditions.
