Poquet Auto Blog

4 Apps to Help You Avoid Minnesota Road Construction

Posted by Poquet Auto on Aug 27, 2015 6:00:01 AM

Another reason to love smartphones! Four apps that help you dodge construction zones.

Road construction season is in full swing, which is a pain in the neck for anyone trying to get from A to B in a car. Luckily there are traffic navigation apps that can help you steer clear of road closures and construction zones. Here are four (in no particular order) to help make your journey faster and less stressful.

  1. INRIX XD Traffic Maps, Routes & Alerts

This app from INRIX XD does it all. It’ll tell you if there’s been an accident on your route, where construction zones are, and how to avoid heavy traffic from local events.

This app is the perfect tool to help plan your trip - including the best time to leave. It lets you predict your time of arrival with greater accuracy and even share your ETA with your friends and family.

The app costs you nothing and can save you big in travel time. Download it from the Apple or Google Play stores and take a look at its rave reviews from users who swear by it.

  1. Waze

Waze is a crowdsourced navigation app that’s gained widespread popularity. Millions of Waze users provide updates on driving conditions in real time. It constantly updates as notifications come in, so it’s a powerful source of minute-to-minute traffic data. 

Use the app to check out your route in advance and also get redirection advice on the fly. It offers turn-by-turn information and will help guide you away from traffic jams, construction, and congestion.

  1. Google Maps

The Google Maps app is one of the most popular navigation apps by far. It uses information the real-time traffic updates from Waze (which Google also owns) to show you the fastest route. On its user friendly map, you can see areas of slow-moving traffic, and your ETA automatically updates as driving conditions change.

One way to avoid construction entirely is to take public transportation or walk. This is where Google Maps really shines - you can easily switch your view to see bus and train times as well as convenient walking routes. 

  1. Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Mobile 511 App

This free app from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) lets you access all the information from MnDOT’s www.511mn.org website on your mobile device.

The app features a zoomable map with clickable icons that show you traffic incidents, road conditions in winter, construction zones, and images taken by MnDOT’s freeway cameras. As an added bonus, you can access Google’s traffic data to help you estimate how long your trip will take based on current traffic conditions.

MnDOT cautions drivers not to use the app while driving - it’s meant to help you figure out your route before you start your journey.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Construction is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to wreck your commute. Give these apps a try, and see which one works best for you. These handy little tools are real lifesavers - how did we ever get around before they existed? And just for fun - check out our post “10 Phases of Driving Through Minnesota Road Construction [as told by GIFs].”

Image by Danny Choo via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Poquet Auto

Topics: Tips & Helpful Info, Auto Apps

Subscribe Today

      

CAR OF THE MONTH

 

You are viewing an immaculate 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35i that has only 22,000 miles, and an original sticker price of $68,670!

Features: M sport, navigation, panoramic roof, leather, heated front/rear seats, heated steering wheel, premium pkg, cold weather pkg, Harman Kardon sound, power liftgate, rear camera.

View this Car >>

ANNE'S CAR OF THE WEEK

 Annes COTW 11202019

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Silver Edition

This stunning 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Silver Edition has only 28,337 miles and an original sticker price of $60,495!

Features: Navigation, Dual Moonroof, Leather, Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, BLIS, Meridian Sound, Climate Comfort Pkg, 3rd Row, Surround View Camera

View this Car >>

DAVE'S CAR OF THE WEEK

DavesCOTW11192019

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport

You are viewing an impeccable Alfa Rosso Alfa Romeo Giulia AWD that has $1,500 worth of options, only 3,300 miles, and an original sticker price of $43,340! 

Features and options are: Cold Weather pkg, Hated Front Seats, Leather Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Satellite Radio (subscription required), Red Brake Calipers, and a Rear Camera.

View this Car >>

Recent Posts

People Love Us On Yelp - 2017 Award Recipient