PennDOT Launches 511PA System

On Friday, September 4th, PennDOT launched 511PA, the Commonwealth's free 24-hour information service for traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, regional tourism information, and links to transit agencies and major airports. The service is available through dialing 511 from cellular phones and landlines, or through the Internet by visiting http://www.511pa.com/. Users are able to register through the website to receive personalized travel alerts, provided through e-mail and text messaging.

The 511PA roadway network covers all 1,759 miles of interstate including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as well as other major roadways in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Traffic information for the majority of this network includes incident reports such as crashes, construction activities, and starting in November 2009, winter road conditions.

According to PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler, travelers log nearly 295 million miles on Pennsylvania's roadway network each day. Recognizing that funding is simply not available to build ourselves out of the congestion problems facing the Commonwealth, Secretary Biehler hopes that the reliable information supplied by 511PA will help travelers make smart planning decisions and minimize traffic delays.

The 511PA system will be updated as PennDOT verifies an incident is occurring through its network of traffic cameras or state/local police reports. Crashes and other incidents beyond PennDOT's control, such as vehicle breakdowns, will not be available to the system immediately, and delays may be encountered before the information is posted to 511PA.

PennDOT will continue to enhance 511PA, and travelers are encouraged to provide feeback on the system by visiting the website. Pennsyvlania joins the list of 35 other states that have a 511 system in operation.