Traveler Services provides information on highway conditions Idaho travelers have a wealth of information at their disposal to plan winter travel. Those with access to the Internet are encouraged to visit 511.idaho.gov before leaving home if weather and highway conditions are concerns. Access to similar information is provided by the 511 Traveler Services telephone system that includes voice-recognition technology and responses using telephone keypad or voice prompts. Motorists are reminded to avoid using cell phones or smart phones while driving – in some Idaho communities such use is prohibited by city ordinances. Please call or access the 511 mobile web before driving, pull off the highway at a safe location, or have a passenger retrieve information for you. If you visit the 511 Traveler Services website, here are the options available: Streamlined The Idaho map is static on the Streamlined version and does not include the level of detail available on other web options. Full-Feature Users control how many and which features to use. The Idaho map is based on Google map technology, enabling users to determine the map size and the option of switching between a standard map, a satellite map that shows terrain, or a hybrid option that shows routes superimposed on a satellite map. The site offers road conditions, other reports, camera images, mountain pass reports, and links to ITD’s Road Weather Information System (RWIS), which provides extensive reports on specific locations and links to approximately 130 images from 80 highway cameras statewide.. As with the Streamlined version, the Full-Feature site includes routes that are color “painted,” depending on driving difficulty. Several improvements and new features were added this fall. Mobile devices As with most of the other 511 Traveler Service options, scrolling text at the top of the page provides information on highway closures, blockages or other incidents affecting travel. Truckers Transit The transit option was introduced to Idaho’s 511 Traveler Services website in 2010 and continues to evolve and expand with the cooperation of local service providers. Published 11-18-2011 |