511 TRAVEL INFORMATION West Virginia's New 511 Travel Information Now In Service
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Dec. 10, 2012 1:16 PM EST
Updated: Dec. 13, 2012 8:11 AM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
A new highway information service that would have helped 911 and State Police dispatchers swamped with requests for highway information Tuesday and early Wednesday morning is in service.
The West Virginia 511 Travelers Information gives free, real-time traffic information. It includes a toll-free 511 number, website smart phone app and Twitter feeds. In addition to traffic information, it includes public safety alerts and Amber and Silver Alerts. The website will include live traffic camera feeds.
West Virginia 511 covers all of the state's interstates and other major highways.
For more information, log on to www.wv511.org.
The state's new 511 travel information system is debuting this week.
Transportation officials will announce the launch of the system on Wednesday morning at the state Capitol's Upper Rotunda in Charleston.
The Public Service Commission approved the 511 system in October. It will provide information about accidents, road construction, severe weather information and other events that affect traffic across the state.
Department of Transportation spokesman Brent Walker says the information will give travelers better choices and decisions.
The Federal Communications Commission set aside the three-digit 511 code in 2000 to allow states to develop telephone systems that provide free travel information.
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Associated Press
