HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s 511PA traveler information system is now providing motorists with better access to traffic information with a new and improved Web site, www.511PA.com, as well as improved phone and personal-alert systems.
The redesigned Web site, which works on both computers and mobile devices, provides free, 24-hour travel information for thousands of miles of state roads, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Incident and construction information is available for 40,000 miles of state roads, essentially the entire PennDOT-maintained system, plus the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The original 511PA system offered information for the 2,900 miles that make up the “core system” of interstates and select U.S. routes.
Information on current traffic conditions has improved with real-time traffic-speed data now available for 15,000 roadway miles, expanded from 659.
The site also now offers access to 30 additional traffic cameras from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, in addition to the 650 already available across the state.
Users who opt to get their traveler information on the phone will find an easier-to-use system that provides information more quickly and includes better voice recognition technology. The phone system is accessible by dialing 511 from within Pennsylvania. Users who call 511PA from outside the state should call 1-877-511-PENN (7366).
In addition to the Web site and phone options, motorists can sign up to receive personal travel alerts through email and text messages. The alerts can be customized by roadway, time of day and days of the week. Alerts are also available through Twitter feeds assigned to each 511PA region, as well as a statewide feed.
Since 511PA launched in September of 2009, the service has had more than 3.1 million Web site visits, nearly 20,000 alert subscribers and 1.9 million phone calls.