HELENA, Mont. – Montana travelers now have access to over 100 Road Weather Information System (RWIS) sites to learn real-time weather and road conditions before hitting the highway this winter. Safety is a top priority for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), and this is one step to providing accurate driving conditions.
“We are always striving to increase the information available to the public about highway and weather conditions,” said Steve Felix, MDT Maintenance Administrator. “Road condition information is vital to motorists and to MDT’s winter maintenance efforts.”
Some of the weather impacts RWIS sites record are roadway surface temperature, precipitation, and wind data. The sites also have cameras that pull real-time images every 15 minutes so motorists can view pavement conditions for themselves prior to travel.
RWIS sites are placed in strategic locations across the state to assist MDT Maintenance crews in making decisions on personnel and equipment scheduling. This real-time information improves MDT’s response time and increases winter maintenance efficiency.
Felix 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.”
During the 2024-2025 winter season, travelers accessed the 511 website and mobile app over 6 million times. And last year alone, the 511 app was downloaded 80,000 times.
RWIS cameras, as well as road reports, incidents, restrictions, and more can be accessed from the MDT website, mdt.mt.gov, or directly at 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).
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