WYDOT reminds drivers of WAT program
WYDOT's Authorized Travel (WAT)
by Wyoming Department of Transportation
November 30, 2015
The onset of winter weather in Wyoming brings with it a reminder of Wyoming Department of Transportation’s (WYDOT) Authorized Travel (WAT) program, which provides a means for motorists to be approved to legally travel on a closed road. WAT is designed to help people who have the need to travel between home and work, school, medical appointments and agricultural property.
WAT follows provisions in state law that grant WYDOT and the Highway Patrol formal authority to allow local travel on the passable portion of an otherwise closed road when it is judged safe to do so.
Road closures are necessary to ensure the safety of travelers, but the closure points are limited to where WYDOT has gates to block traffic. That means portions of a closed highway may be passable when the closure is due to a traffic crash or storm miles from the nearest road closure gate.
It should be remembered that WAT does not give permission to travel on every closed road or to travel during every road closure. Permission to travel is unique to each storm event.
Driving on a closed road without permission carries a maximum possible penalty of a $750 fine and 30 days in jail.
The WAT application process requires drivers to answer questions about vehicles, the road sections they need to use, justification for travel and their driver license number. When a closure occurs, drivers who are pre-approved will be notified of which roadways are authorized for local travel.
Applications can be made by individual drivers or by businesses on behalf of their employees.
For details and to access an online application form, go to WYDOT's 511 Travel Information website, wyoroad.info.
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