MDT deploys more real-time cameras and weather sites
Travelers should use 511 resources before embarking on winter travel.
HELENA, Mont. — Montana travelers now have 20 new Road Weather Information System (RWIS) sites to find real-time weather and road conditions before hitting the highway this winter. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) recently added the new locations to the existing network for a total of almost 100 sites across the state.
“We are always striving to increase the information available to the public about highway and weather conditions,” said Jon Swartz, MDT Maintenance Division administrator. “This is especially important for winter travel.”
Some of the weather impacts RWIS sites record are roadway surface temperature, precipitation, and wind data. The sites also have cameras that show new images every 15 minutes during daylight hours so motorists can view pavement conditions for themselves prior to travel.
“Road condition information is vital to drivers and to MDT’s winter maintenance efforts, so we are looking forward to having more sites this season,” Swartz continued.
The new sites were added in MDT’s Missoula, Glendive and Butte districts. Seven more RWIS sites for the Billings district and six more RWIS sites for the Great Falls district are slated in 2025.
MDT has RWIS sites in strategic locations that MDT Maintenance crews use to help make decisions on personnel and equipment scheduling. This real-time information improves MDT’s response time and increases winter maintenance efficiency.
Swartz added, “We encourage drivers to know before they go by using 511 and the RWIS information. We want everyone to get to their destinations safely.”
RWIS cameras, as well as road reports, incidents, restrictions, and more can be accessed from the MDT website, mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ and 511mt.net and on the mobile app MDT 511 Travel Info. Road reports and other information are also available by calling 511 (800-226-7623 / TTY 800-335-7592).
About MDT:
MDT is a workforce of more than 2,000 people across Montana planning, building, operating, and maintaining a safe and resilient transportation system so Montanans and visitors can arrive at their destinations safely. For more information about MDT and the work we do, visit mdt.mt.gov.