Traffic and navigation app Waze has launched an update with new feature that allow drivers to report and close roads in real-time via its map.

Waze 3.6, which is available for free on iOS and Android devices, helps motorists avoid unnecessary delays or complications along their routes during major accidents, oil spills, floods and construction works that can cause road changes and force major highways to close.

According to Waze, its community of more than 40 million users will provide sufficient coverage to support the new road closure feature in an effective way.

Waze CEO Noam Bardin said that the only way to address the road closure problem at a large scale is through the power of its community working together.

"Its community of more than 40 million users will provide sufficient coverage to support the new road closure feature in an effective way."

Through the new update, drivers can chose to inform the community when they come to a stop due to a road closure. Users can also include details such as type of closure and the expected duration.

During a long-term closure, Waze’s community will receive a notificationto let them close the road for a longer time if necessary.

However, Waze, which features smart systems that ensure accuracy and predict reality, will only close down a road once its algorithm has enough evidence to discount the possibility of error.

The app will automatically return the road to its normal status and resume the normal routing, once it detects cars driving on a closed-off street.