Understanding North Dakota DOTs Travel Advisories

A true North Dakotan knows when to stay off the roads during a winter storm. The difference between drifting on the interstate and white out conditions are like comparing apples to oranges. They are both fruits – but couldn’t be more different when you slice them open.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has a guide to let you know what the difference is between a TRAVEL ALERT, NO TRAVEL ADVISED and ROAD CLOSURES.

There are three categories you should familiarize yourself with:

1.

TRAVEL ALERT

Motorists can still travel but may encounter areas of challenging winter weather driving conditions on roadways. Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination and be alert to conditions that may make travel difficult, change rapidly, or cause travel delays. A TRAVEL ALERT has the potential to change to a NO TRAVEL ADVISED if conditions deteriorate.

2.

NO TRAVEL ADVISED

Motorists should not travel due to hazardous conditions which may make it unsafe to travel. Snowplows may be pulled from the roads during severe conditions. Motorists should take NO TRAVEL ADVISED seriously as those motorists who choose to travel at their own risk may become stranded and emergency responders may not be able to reach them safely. A NO TRAVEL ADVISED has the potential to change to a ROAD CLOSED OR BLOCKED if conditions deteriorate.

3.

ROAD CLOSED OR BLOCKED

Motorists are not allowed to travel on a closed road due to life threatening conditions. The road may be impassible or blocked. Motorists who drive past a road closure device may be fined up to $250.

Please be advised that road condition information on 511 and the

travel map

is updated daily from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT. The road report is based upon the information available to the NDDOT at the time of preparation and is provided solely as a public service. Conditions may vary from those reported.