About 511
The MaineDOT introduces the “Maine 511 Travel Information Service” to help commuters and travelers access information regarding weather-related road conditions, construction and congestion, via the Web or phone—24/7.
Part of a National Effort:
- The FCC designated “511” as the national traveler information phone number and MaineDOT is one of a handful of state DOT’s that have implemented the service.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) are leading deployment efforts and the development of guidelines for a seamless and comprehensive service nationwide.
Improving Public Service:
- The new service will provide enhanced service that is available directly to travelers via the web or phone—24/7—and will include voice recognition, increased calling capacity and easier-to-navigate Web pages.
- By knowing state highway road conditions, travelers will be able to better plan for their trips and commutes, and in the future, abbreviated dialing of 511 will make the information even easier to reach.
Where the Information Originates:
- The Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS) is the primary source of data for 511 services.
- MaineDOT and Maine State Police staff, from dispatch centers and out in the field, use this system to maintain real-time information about travel conditions throughout the state.
- The system continues to evolve as a single comprehensive and timely source of data that ultimately improves the information available through services like Web sites.
Where to Get the Information:
- Call 511 from any phone, including mobile phones.
- Maine is preparing the needed infrastructure to handle this new service so that you can call 511 from any phone, including mobile phones
- Visit www.511Maine.gov
Type of Information Available:
- Weather-related road conditions
- Traffic incidents
- Highway Construction
Cost:
- Maine is part of a multi-state consortium that is sharing the cost to design and develop the system.
- In addition to Maine, the states participating in the consortium are Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Vermont, Louisiana, Idaho, Rhode Island, and New York.
- The service is provided free of charge to the public. Cell phone users will pay for normal airtime and roaming charges according to their wireless service contracts.
Related Information:
- Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America): www.itsa.org/511.html
- U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT): www.its.dot.gov/511/511.htm
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO): 511.transportation.org
