Winter drivers in Wisconsin are getting an update to their road forecasts.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced changes to the state’s 511 website, specifically a new set of road condition categories.

“We continually look for ways to enhance our 511 Wisconsin traveler information service,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said.

Those new categories are:

— Normal;

— Partially Covered;

— Completely Covered;

— Travel Not Advised.

There is also a “no report” category.

WisDOT says the idea is to simplify the information about how snowy the state’s roads are. Drivers can find those conditions either at WisDOT’s 511 website or 511 app.

“We know that road conditions during Wisconsin’s winters can change in the blink of an eye and drivers must expect the unexpected. We’re confident the updated winter road condition categories will help drivers make informed travel decisions this winter and beyond,” Boardman said.

Wisconsin launched the 511 system in 2009. Since then, it’s been providing drivers and the State Patrol with close to real time updates on how much snow and ice is on the state’s interstate system.

State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said the system has been more than helpful over the past 15 years.

“The Wisconsin State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies coordinate with Traffic Management Center staff and dispatchers working around the clock to keep all travelers in the know,” Carnahan said.

In addition to the road condition reports, the 511 system allows drivers to look at the state’s traffic camera system and report accidents.

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