WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is urging travelers across the state to stick to main roads and highways throughout the winter months to avoid getting stranded on unplowed alternative routes.
“We are receiving reports of navigation apps like Google Maps guiding drivers onto unmaintained county or Forest Service roads as alternative routes to closed highways,” said WYDOT this morning.
Because of this, some counties are having to send search and rescue teams out to assist motorists who have become stuck or lost on “alternative routes” suggested by GPS.
“We understand wanting to get moving when there are closures on routes like I-80, but Wyoming’s rural population means that often those alternative routes are not maintained in the winter,” said WYDOT.
Although sticking to main highways may mean delays, WYDOT asks travelers to be patient.
“Our snowplows are out working hard to get the roads open, but weather is actively working against us.”
Travelers can check road conditions at www.wyoroad.info or on the Wyoming 511 app.
