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Idaho Transportation
Department

Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
Email


Travel information service adds reports
on highway construction
Call 511 or log onto 511.idaho.gov before summer trips

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.

“Timely information is critical to making the best travel choice,” Stratten added. “Idaho’s new 511 system will not only provide current road and weather conditions, but is free and easy to use.”

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 is the 24th state to provide the 511 service. 511 is part of a national effort that began in 2000, when the Federal Communications Commission assigned 511 for nationwide access to travel information. When traveling in a state with 511 service, dialing the number will connect callers to that state’s system.

The 511 system already is working in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Montana. Wyoming and Nevada are expected to deploy 511 within the year.

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