511 Traffic Systems

Background

The U.S. Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, developed the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to increase the traffic efficiency and safety on the nation's roadways.

The ITS gathers information about almost everything that can impair the ability of motorists to arrive at their destination safely and smoothly, such as detours, accidents, road closures, poor weather conditions, and dangerous roadway surfaces.

511 Plan

The master plan was to have a national system in which individuals throughout the country could simply dial 511 on their cell or landline phones and access this information. However, like many plans, this one has been slow to unfold, and much of the country is still waiting to have the service activated in their state.

The service is free, and the information you receive by calling 511 is much more detailed than you'd get from a local television or radio traffic report.

Motorists can employ the service when traveling through states that deploy it. Some states, including Oregon, also have Web sites which allow you to review the information online.

Oregon 511 Access

To access the system within Oregon, simply dial 511 or (800) 977-ODOT on a cell or landline phone. Those outside the state may dial (503) 588-2941 to access the Oregon information.

You'll be greeted with a series of instruction prompts guiding you on how to obtain the information you need.

Users of the state's 511 site may also view live Web camera shots of current roadway conditions, along with current weather conditions and other roadway information.