RICHMOND, Feb. 13, 2006 – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) 511 travel
service, which offers traffic and traveler information, has a new email alert system. The email alerts are a subscription-based messaging system giving subscribers real time traffic information. The subscription service can send traffic information via text messaging or simple emails.

“Through the new 511 email alert system, travelers can now be informed of road conditions the second VDOT knows about it,” said Connie Sorrell, chief of system operations for VDOT.

“511 allows motorists to make better travel decisions by having access to immediate updates on road conditions.”

To sign up, click on the email alert tab on www.511Virginia.org. The tab will bring up a log-in screen. Users will create an account, which is free. Once logged in to the email alert system, subscribers can pick what time of day to receive alerts and select which roads their alerts will cover. New users who do not select specific times will receive their messages between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Fees for text messages may apply depending on the subscriber’s text messaging provider.

Traffic alerts and traveler information in Virginia can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. TTY users can call 711 to obtain these services. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org.

511 Virginia has the latest information on weather conditions, road construction and traffic incidents as well as lodging, food and gas. The system provides information on all of Virginia’s interstates and most major primary roads. 511 has been available statewide since February 2005. Callers also can transfer to the Kentucky and North Carolina 511 telephone services for travel information in both states. The number is available in 23 states, including Virginia.

511 Virginia Fast Facts:

The 511 Virginia system received its one millionth call in December 2005.

The system provides information on 98 roads in the state.

511 provides coverage on 2, 027 miles of interstate roads, 1, 322 miles of US Routes and 2,152 miles of Virginia Routes.

Page last modified: Feb. 13, 2006