Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline has launched a new version of their app with cleaner graphics and added functions such as an expanded route-planning feature that includes road conditions.

Users can now download a free mobile app for their smartphones. It's available online at Google Play and the Apple Store.

"I'm so excited about this new version of the Highway Hotline," Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "It's got all the same trusted highway and road information, in a sleek new package people will love."

"As Saskatchewan's trusted advocate on road user safety, we encourage drivers to check the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline for updates on road conditions," CAA Saskatchewan Director of Corporate Communications Christine Niemczyk said. "We include the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline in our safety messaging because we know the weather in our province can change quickly. It's important to adapt our driving behaviour to the current weather and road conditions, and to rely on resources such as the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline to help keep all road users safe." 

The Highway Hotline began nearly 50 years ago as a phone-based service that provided information about road conditions. Today, the hotline receives roughly 6.5 million online visits annually. Last winter, which was impacted by several intense storms, the hotline set a record, with nearly 13 million hits.

It has evolved into a phone and web-based service that shares information about highway conditions, road closures, construction zones, ferries and border crossings. Maps and information are updated at least three times per day. During winter storms, updates are made the moment they're received.

Highway Hotline information is also available over the phone at 1-888-335-7623 or by calling 511.

The hotline features a network of more than 40 cameras on Saskatchewan highways and airports. The cameras provide real time, current images of weather and highway conditions, which can help travelers make informed decisions about their safety. 

In addition to the Highway Hotline, the ministry has more than 300 snowplows deployed across the province that are available to respond to snow and ice on provincial highways 24 hours per day.

Click here for tips on safe winter driving, or search for winter safety on saskatchewan.ca.