Motorists Reminded to Check 511 during Winter Weather

As a winter storm blankets the Nebraska panhandle, the Nebraska State Patrol reminds motorists to utilize the state's 511 automated road and weather condition information system. As of Thursday morning, October 29, 2009, the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 were closed from Big Springs (mm101) to the Wyoming line. The eastbound lanes of I-80 remain open.. Motorists however are advised to travel with caution. both east and west bound lanes of Highway 30 were closed at Big Springs, and Highway 20 westbound from Harrison to the Wyoming line was closed. By dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone, motorists will be able to gauge how the weather is affecting travel conditions. The system can also be accessed via the Internet through the Nebraska State Patrol web site at (www.nsp.state.ne.us) click on "511 Traveler Information" in the Quick links box. Travelers outside of Nebraska wanting to check weather and road conditions in our state can dial 1-800-906-9069. As conditions change, motorists are reminded to adjust their speed and never travel faster than the conditions allow. Slick surfaces make it difficult to steer and stop. Do not drive in slick, wet, snowy weather with your cruise control on. Motorists are also encouraged to give themselves plenty of time and distance to react to others around them. Be sure to exercise caution on bridges and overpasses, keep your headlights on and make sure they are cleaned off. Travelers in need of emergency roadside assistance should dial the Nebraska State Patrol Highway helpline when safe to do so, at *55 on any cellular phone or 1-800-525-5555 from any land line.