HARRISBURG – Starting next summer, motorists across Pennsylvania will have access to additional statewide travel information.
“With nearly 294 million miles traveled on Pennsylvania roads each day, reliable traveler information is crucial to help motorists avoid travel delays and increase their overall mobility,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen. D. Biehler, P.E.
By next summer, 511 Pennsylvania will provide free traveler information services such as travel delays, road and weather conditions and regional tourism information that will be accessible via the Internet and phone. Users will be able to register for proactive travel alerts, provided through e-mail and text messaging.
The 511 system will also provide transit and air travel information in metropolitan areas around the state. PennDOT plans to expand services in the future.
The Federal Communications Commission designated 511 as the nationwide three-digit telephone number for traveler information. Thirty-three states have 511 services.
Telvent Farradyne was recently selected as the contractor to lead the development and execution of Pennsylvania’s 511 system.
Meanwhile, PennDOT encourages travelers to access current traveler information online. Motorists will find travel conditions for all Pennsylvania interstates, as well as travel advisories, weather forecasts and traffic cameras. The travel page also includes a winter driving guide, the “Ice and Snow, Take it Slow” brochure. The guide provides winter driving tips and includes a list of what should be included in a simple emergency travel kit.
PennDOT also reminds travelers that weather-related road condition information for all Pennsylvania interstates can be obtained by calling the interstate road conditions hotline at 1-888-783-6783 for in-state callers; out-of-state callers should dial 717-783-5186.