Tweets, e-mails alert travelers of park road conditions

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can now check on road conditions by electronic text or Twitter. Previously, travelers had to call the park to find out if roads were closed or slick.

Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson says the new improvements better serve the public and reduce the workload for park employees.

Visitors with cell phones or Internet access can now get the information immediately.

Besides winter road conditions, the park intends to notify travelers of rock slides, fallen trees or accidents that affect traffic in the park.

Online: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

--The Associated Press