WYDOT-Google agreement aims to prevent stranded motorists

CHEYENNE (WNE) — When snow, high winds and other severe weather conditions require the Wyoming Department of Transportation to close Interstate 80 — one of the nation’s primary east-west highways — conditions on secondary roads are often even more dangerous. Yet without sufficient data, some navigational apps may reroute I-80 motorists and commercial vehicle operators onto those very roads.
WYDOT is now working to improve safety and facilitate the efficient movement of freight by sharing road-closure data directly with Google and other navigation companies. Expanding access to road-closure data is especially critical in March and April, which are historically the state’s snowiest months.