NSP, NDOT Maintain Readiness as Winter Weather Continues

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have responded to more than 2,000 weather-related incidents over the last 9 days. In addition, the Nebraska Department of Transportation plow operators from across the state worked from January 13 to January 16 to reopen 1,700 miles of highways that were closed due to the storm. These teams continue to work to widen lanes of traffic through the areas of greatest impact and assist drivers who become stranded on roadways across the state. 

Both agencies are advising caution as the next round of snow arrives Thursday, and frigid wind chills return for the next several days. A Wind Chill Advisory takes effect for most of Nebraska starting Thursday. The National Weather Service also predicts that much of the state will experience new snowfall, though expected to be lighter than the two previous storms.

“The work that has been accomplished over the last 9 days is nothing short of amazing,” said Director Vicki Kramer. “The NDOT team has coordinated to shift resources to the areas hardest hit on our state system while also assisting with county requests. The work is not done as crews continue to tackle larger drifts, work on widening areas, and preparing for the next round of snow. Please continue to travel with caution and know before you go by using available resources from your favorite weather provider to road conditions at 511.Nebraska.Gov.”

Since January 8, while Nebraska experienced two major winter storms and extreme cold, NDOT and NSP continued working around the clock. NDOT plow crews have been able to open all roadways to travel, after many areas in eastern Nebraska received over a foot of snow between the two storms. State Troopers were also busy, helping 1,828 stranded motorists, responding to 93 crashes, and assisting other agencies with 133 additional incidents.

“While our teams have been busy during over the last week, our troopers and NDOT plow crews remain ready to help,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you have to travel, please be safe and stay aware of the conditions before hitting the road. If you do become stranded, call the NSP Highway Helpline immediately and connect with our dedicated dispatchers who can send help.”

NDOT and NSP urge all motorists to check 511.Nebraska.gov or the 511 app and be prepared for continued winter driving conditions with the potential for new slick spots in areas with new precipitation. Any motorist who becomes stranded while traveling should stay in their vehicle and call for help immediately.

The NSP Highway Helpline can be reached at *55 or 800-525-5555 and connects motorists directly with an NSP dispatcher. Dispatchers have communication not only with troopers, but also with local agencies and tow operators. They can locate and dispatch the closest help available to assist stranded parties.”

Travelers should also restock their winter survival kit if items were used during last week’s storms. The kit should include items such as water, food, warm clothes, hats, gloves, cell phone charger, sand or gravel, ice scraper, shovel, and jumper cables.