511 Traffic Systems

ITS and 511: What Does It All Mean?

Very simply put, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) gather a vast amount of traffic-related information from across the country. ITS aims to help people safely and quickly get to where they're going by letting them know about construction, accidents, and road closures.

Of course, drivers need a way to access this information, and that's where 511 comes into play. 511 is the simple, three-digit number that allows drivers across the nation access this traffic-related information.

511 Problems

As brilliant as 511 seems, there are unfortunately a few problems. The main problem is that not all states have implemented 511.

Once the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sealed the 511 deal in July 2000, it left most of the responsibility for getting 511 up and running―and funding―up to States and local agencies. While the FCC wants to see 511 in all states, without Federal requirements, there's no guarantee.

No 511 in West Virginia

Sorry, West Virginians. To date, 511 is not active in WV, nor has WV received funding under the 511 Planning Assistance Program.

More Information

In addition to the Federal Highway Administration's 511 Web pages, you can keep yourself updated at Deploy 511.