IDAHO NATIONAL
Idaho
Transportation |
Motorists now can get the latest updates on summer highway construction and tourism news through Idaho’s 511 travel information service. By dialing 511 or visiting 511.idaho.gov on the Web, travelers will be updated on summer highway construction projects, emergency closures, weather conditions and tourist information. Commercial vehicle information also is available on the Web. The 511 system was launched in the fall of 2005. During the winter driving season, more than 280,000 calls were placed to 511 and more than 2.9 million visits were made to the Web site. “A well informed motorist travels smarter and travels safer,” said Jeff Stratten, public information officer for the transportation department. The system has 25 Web cameras located across the state. Idaho 511 shares 576 phone lines with multiple states, minimizing the chance that callers will get a busy signal during summer travel peaks. The 511 phone system uses voice recognition technology, enabling callers to get information simply by speaking into the telephone. It also allows callers to make selections using the phone keypad. The 511.idaho.gov site is designed for easy navigation and features clickable maps. The Web site also features links to neighboring states’ traveler information sites. Calls to 511 are considered local when dialed from a
land line phone. Cell phone users are responsible for normal airtime
and roaming charges in accordance with their service contracts. Most wireless companies in Idaho will connect to 511.
In some cases along state borders, Idaho 511 may not work properly depending
upon the cell tower location for that specific call. Should this occur,
simply call (888) IDA-ROAD (888) 432-7623) to access the 511 system. Idaho’s 511 is made possible through the cooperation of the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Idaho State Medical Services Bureau Communications Center, Idaho State Police, the Federal Highway Administration and the Ada County Highway District. Published 4-28-06 |