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 Wyoming, also have Web sites which allow you to review the information online.

Wyoming 511

The state recently revamped its 511 system to make it more responsive to the needs of residents.

By calling 511 or (888)WYO-ROAD
on a landline or cell phone, or by visiting the state's 511 site, users can determine roadway conditions, learn about travel advisories, receive weather forecasts, and find out about road closures.

Visitors to the site can see roadway and weather conditions with Web cams scattered throughout the state, while gaining access to travel information for neighboring states.