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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Need Information on State Roads? Call 511

By Lloyd Jojola
Journal Staff Writer
      Drivers have a new way to gain information about state roads affected by bad weather, construction or even commuter-time congestion.
    The state Department of Transportation on July 10 introduced its new 511 telephone traveler information service, which replaces the agency's 1-800 road advisory hot line. The information provided through the 511 system will mirror what's found on the DOT's traveler-aimed Web site, nmroads.com.
    "The new 511 system adds road construction information by type, roadway, by being interstate highway or state highway, as well as location," state Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught said.
    It also includes interstate traffic and congestion information for the Albuquerque area, she said.
    The 511 service, which is free, was activated July 10. New Mexico becomes one of 47 states to use the service. A Federal Communications Commission directive in 2000 officially designated 511 as a nationwide number for traveler information, according to the state.
    State officials said the 1-800 hot line received most of its use during the winter, when people monitor weather-related road conditions. The system was introduced now so that any kinks can be ironed out before winter.
    "Road conditions, we still keep that the primary concern, especially during the winter months," said Charles Remkes, Intelligent Transportation Systems operations manager for the state DOT.
    The 511 main menu is broken down for callers by statewide road conditions, traffic information on Interstate 40 and 25 in the Albuquerque area, statewide construction information and road information in surrounding states.
   

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