With a severe winter storm bearing down on portions of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Transportation has activated its emergency call center to provide road closure and travel-related information to the public relating to Alabama’s state, U.S. and interstate highways. The ECC will remain activated as conditions warrant.

The public is advised not to travel in areas affected by the severe winter weather conditions.

The number of the Emergency Call Center is 1-888-588-2848. Additionally, Road Conditions information is available on ALDOT’s Web site at www.dot.state.al.us.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has made preparations and mobilized personnel and resources in affected areas of the state to respond to icy bridge/road conditions and other adverse impacts. The public is urged to monitor local media for weather updates. ALDOT crews will continue efforts to keep roadways passable as long as conditions allow.

ALDOT officials strongly caution that driving should be avoided until conditions have improved enough for safe travel.

The Emergency Call Center system was first put into place during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. A toll-free information line was established to respond to public requests for information and assistance before, during and after storms. When activated for Hurricane Katrina, over 5,000 calls were taken within a five-day period.