SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — From interstate closures to snowy state highways, the South Dakota Department of Transportation’s 511 system has all sorts of information for travelers.

Now, another tool on SD 511 may come in handy when winter weather hits.

“Definitely an exciting feature that we’re rolling out this year on SD 511,” SDDOT Director of Operations Craig Smith said.

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Counties and tribes can now designate their areas as ‘no travel advised’ or ‘roads closed’ on SD 511.

“The more information we have so drivers can make well-informed decisions is really what we’re striving for,” Smith said.

A majority of the tribes and counties in the state are registered to participate.

Lincoln County is one of them.

“We got registered early on in this process. We just thought it would be a great benefit to the traveling public in Lincoln County, not just the residents, but people traveling through Lincoln County,” Lincoln County Highway Superintendent Terry Fluit said.

The local travel restrictions will also be communicated to third party navigation apps.

“If that county or tribe has that road closed now, those third party apps should not reroute you to those closed roads,” Smith said.

The hope is it will prevent people from getting stuck or stranded.

“The primary is to keep people safe. First, the drivers, and ultimately our people that we don’t have to go out and do these rescues,” Smith said.

The DOT has also announced text alerts for interstate closures during winter weather.

Just text SDInterstates to 605-836-8836.