Truckers traveling through the Sunflower State may soon get an early warning if there's bad weather ahead.

The Associated Press reported Dec. 28 that the state planned to test its 5-1-1 driving-conditions and weather information line this week. The system will cost roughly the same as the current system - about $100,000 a year - but provide localized information on conditions.

The state's Department of Transportation has set a goal of having the system up and running before spring, but - pending test results - won't set a definite date.

Kansas would be the ninth state with 5-1-1 service, which is eventually expected to cover the entire country. Land Line reported in July that Minnesota had added the service, and Utah started its 5-1-1 service in December 2001.