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Department makes improvements to 511 driving-condition system

Improvements to the 511 Traveler Services platform will allow drivers to more efficiently track driving conditions, and give them the weather forecast on certain highway routes.

Tony Ernest, manager of the 511 platform, said drivers can now track the weather forecast on certain highway routes that experience changing weather conditions, especially during the winter months.

Ernest said ITD partnered with the National Weather Service in Pocatello to offer the weather forecast. The 511 platform takes specific weather forecast information from areas along a section of highway, and creates an overall forecast for that route.

“I’ve been trying to get useful weather information to the public,” Ernest said. “The weather forecast information is really important from a planning standpoint for a traveler.”

There may be multiple weather forecasts for a highway depending on its length. For example, weather forecasts are available for 16 individual sections of Interstate 84. On the other hand, Idaho Highway 1, in northern Idaho, is covered by one weather forecast.

The weather forecast option represents a new, innovative technology that is funded by the transportation department and developed for Idaho. The department is the first one to offer weather forecast information in this format.

During summer months, when weather conditions don’t change as rapidly in Idaho, forecast information may not be available.

Another improvement to the 511 system is the option to program in three phone numbers that the 511 system will recognize. When a caller phones in, the system recognizes the number, and offers a menu of highway routes.

Offering three phone numbers allows 511 users to choose which phones they want to call in from. Those interested in highway conditions can call from a cell phone, landline number from home, or from a landline number at work. The system will not recognize an ITD landline phone number — your desk number — as one of the three options, however.