ITD News Releases

Enhancements make 511 Traveler Services more responsive, easier to use

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:49:38 GMT

November 20, 2009

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Enhancements make 511 Traveler Services more responsive, easier to use

BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department has introduced a number of enhancements to its 511 Traveler Services system to will help motorists safely navigate changing highway and weather conditions.

As part of the system upgrades, ITD also unveiled a new campaign that encourages motorists to check 511 B4 U GO, by going to the Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dialing 511 toll-free from within the state.

"The 511 system is constantly evolving as we look for better ways to make it more responsive to the travel needs of Idaho motorists," explains Alison Lantz, manager of the system. "The improvements we made the past year give Idahoans one of the most advanced systems in the country."

To access the phone system, dial 511 from within Idaho; drivers near state borders may need to call the toll-free number, (888) 432-7623. Cell phone users are not charged for accessing the system, although cell phone service providers may charge for airtime.

ITD simplified the route-reporting process, enabling callers and Web site users to select a portion of a highway for information retrieval. In the past, telephone callers had to listen to a report for the entire length of a specific highway even when they only wanted to check a short segment. As a result, they can obtain reports faster and reduce their telephone time.

Users also can request reports for their chosen section be described according to a preferred direction of travel, such as from east to west, or west to east.

Telephone users also should find it easier to locate a closure, a highway incident or condition report because of enhancements made to route identification.

The improved system identifies the location of events in reference to Idaho cities and towns, rather than mileposts or lesser-known geographic points, such as local roads. A message now will indicate that an event is in a city, near a city or a number of miles in a specified direction from a city.

Visitors to the 511.idaho.gov Web site now have several options from which to choose. For users of dial-up modems, Web users can pick a low bandwidth option that offers fewer graphics. A high bandwidth option is geared for Internet connections on faster connections, such as DSL, cable modem or satellite.

The high bandwidth site includes Google Map technology that provides terrain or satellite imagery. It also offers a number of other graphics-based features not available on the low bandwidth option.

This year, ITD introduced a new Mobile Web option for handheld devices including cell phones that have Web browsers. Highway reports and camera images can be checked on smart phones and similar devices. To access the reports, users should enter 511.idaho.gov in the Web address of their mobile browser.

ITD also is aggressively adding new highway cameras where possible and upgrading existing equipment to provide motorists with real-time highway views. In the past year, ITD added 19 new single-image sites and three others were upgraded to include a new camera.

"We hope these system enhancements will make travel safer and less stressful for motorists," Lantz explains. "Taking a few minutes to check highway conditions before heading out this winter will make the driving experience more enjoyable."

ITD will continue to look for ways to improve the system and welcome suggestions from the public.

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Is your vehicle equipped and ready for winter?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:47:06 GMT

November 20, 2009

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Is your vehicle equipped and ready for winter?

BOISE - Motorists can prepare for safer winter travel by keeping a simple emergency kit on hand. The Idaho Transportation Department advises drivers to carry some helpful items in the car in case of an emergency:

Flashlights with extra batteries
Stocked first aid kit
Pocketknife
Blanket or sleeping bag
Mittens, socks and a wool cap
Waterproof covering like a tarp or a poncho
Three-pound coffee can, which can be used to heat water
A small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under stuck wheels; it also adds weight to your vehicle
A small shovel
Bottled water (but remember it will probably freeze so allow expansion room in the container)
Booster cables
Energy bars or other high-energy food like raisins or nuts
Waterproof matches or a cigarette lighter
Candles (a blanket over your head, body heat and the heat from a single candle can prevent freezing)
Basic tool kit to include pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, tape and wire
Paper towels or toilet tissue, good for their designed purpose as well as a fire starter
Spare tire
Rope and wire, tow chain or a strap
Starter fluid, extra oil, gas line deicer and battery booster cables
Map of the area where you plan to travel
Signaling devices such as emergency flares or a mirror

Having these items on hand can help ensure a driver's safety, but vehicles also need attention at the start of the winter season. The American Automobile Association (AAA) advises drivers to prepare their vehicles for the winter season by having a mechanic check the following items:

Battery
Antifreeze level
Wipers and windshield washer fluid
Ignition system
Thermostat
Headlights and hazard lights
Exhaust system
Defroster and heater
Brakes
Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 viscosity)
Winter tires

Basic automobile parts can help save a stranded motorist. Put these automotive parts to good use:

A hubcap or sun visor can be substituted for a shovel.
Seat covers can be used as a blanket.
Floor mats can be used to shut out the wind.
Engine oil burned in a hubcap creates a smoke signal visible for miles.
A car horn can be heard as far as a mile downwind. Three long blasts, ten seconds apart, every 30 minutes, is a standard distress signal.
A rear-view mirror can be removed to serve as a signaling device.
Burn a tire for a signal or for warmth. Release the air pressure and use gasoline or oil for a means to ignite it.

Before beginning a trip or long drive, motorists can dial 511 or visit 511.idaho.gov on the Web for updates on winter road and weather conditions, emergency closures and access to tourist information.

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ITD reminds motorists to drive safely around snowplows

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:48:38 GMT

November 20, 2009

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ITD reminds motorists to drive safely around snowplows

BOISE -- As winter weather rapidly approaches, ITD reminds motorists to use caution when traveling the state's highways during inclement weather and to cooperate with highway workers clearing the roadways.

When driving near snowplows keep a few safety tips in mind:

- Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle.

- Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow's force can knock your car out of control.

- Do not cut back immediately in front of a snowplow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see.

- Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.

- Do not abandon your car unless it is absolutely necessary. However, if you must, leave it as far off the road as possible. Abandoned cars can interfere with the road clearing process and can be extremely hazardous to snow removal equipment and the operators if they are hidden or buried by snow.

- Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, ridges and overpasses. Since they are exposed on their undersides, bridges and overpasses are deprived of ground warmth and freeze more rapidly than the roadways leading to them.

For the latest highway and weather conditions call the Idaho Traveler Information Service at 5-1-1. For online updates, visit the Idaho Traveler Information Service Web site at 511.idaho.gov. Telephone and Web reports are available 24 hours a day and are updated as conditions change.

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New signs coming to I-84 near the Orchard Interchange; watch for lane closures

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:13:08 GMT

November 20, 2009

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New signs coming to I-84 near the Orchard Interchange; watch for lane closures

BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department will install new interstate signs and sign brackets tonight (Friday, Nov. 20) and Saturday night (Nov. 21) near the Orchard Interchange. One lane will be closed in each direction of I-84 during the installation.

Lane restrictions will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. both nights.

The new signs are part of an overall I-84 transformation that includes a new Orchard Interchange, which will include longer on- and off-ramps and improved roadways around the ramps.

The project is on schedule for a spring 2010 completion.

ITD and the Idaho State Police caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

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Refurbished Midvale Hill Rest Area to re-open just prior to Thanksgiving

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:57:29 GMT

November 20, 2009

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Refurbished Midvale Hill Rest Area to re-open just prior to Thanksgiving

WASHINGTON COUNTY - The newly refurbished rest area on U.S. 95 at Midvale Hill is expected to open Wednesday (Nov. 25), just in time for Thanksgiving holiday travelers.

Click here for a picture of the new rest area.

This project has rebuilt the existing rest area - first built in 1987 - and caretaker facilities, created additional truck parking, and includes other repairs. The rest room building was completely reconstructed. It had been closed during the reconstruction.

WF Construction & Sales LLC of Meridian is the contractor on the $1.4 million project.

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