Iowa’s 511 Web, phone service offers enhanced services for winter travelers

For more than 10 years, Iowans have been able to call or log on to the 511 traveler information system for current road conditions of interstates and several state highways. Now, just in time for the winter travel season, the 511 system has been updated to simplify its use, add new features and enhance reliability.

The Web version of 511 is now offered in three formats and is intended for trip planning. All three versions can be found at www.511ia.org.

• The full-feature version is best on broadband Internet connections and newer Web browsers. It offers real-time updates, streaming video from Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) traffic cameras and a dynamic Google map.
• The streamlined version is optimized for dial-up Internet connections. It will work with any Web browser and uses static Google maps.
• Users with Web-enabled mobile communications devices can take advantage of the mobile version. (Do not use a mobile device while driving.)

The 511 phone system is geared toward motorists already en route. For your safety and those sharing the road, don't drive and talk on your mobile phone. Have a passenger make the call or find a safe place to pull off the road before making the call. 511's interactive voice system accepts voice commands or use of the phone's keypad.

To use the 511 phone system:

• Dial 5-1-1 (in Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide)
• Press 0 or say, “menu”at anytime during your call to hear this main menu of options.
  • Press 1 or say “Road reports” – reports by route number
  • Press 2 or say “Metro reports” – reports by metro region
  • Press 3 or say “Trucker's reports” – reports including size and weight restrictions
  • Press 4 or say “Nearby states' 511” – phone numbers for surrounding states' 511 phone systems
  • Press ## or say “help” – instructions on use of 511

From mid-October through mid-April, the 511 system offers winter road condition information on the interstates, U.S. highways and some Iowa highways.  Those reports are updated every two hours by the Iowa State Patrol, based on observations of actual conditions.

The terms and definitions used on 511 have also been updated this year to more clearly describe winter road conditions.

Normal or wet: Normal winter driving conditions exist. This includes dry and wet roadways, but any precipitation on the road is not freezing. A wet condition could result in reduced traction.

Partially or mostly covered: Rain, frost, ice, sleet/slush, snow or a mixture of precipitation is causing the roadway to be partially covered (up to 50 percent) or mostly covered (more than 50 percent). Drivers may experience periods when roadway markings are difficult to see. With continued precipitation, the roadway surface may become slick, snow packed and rutted.

Completely covered: The roadway is completely covered with precipitation (i.e., rain, frost, ice, sleet/slush, snow or a mixture). Roadway markings are obscured making it difficult to differentiate between the roadway and its surroundings. These conditions can make travel difficult and hazardous.

Travel not advised: The roadway has deteriorated to the point that it is very dangerous to travel. Emergency vehicles and snow removal equipment may be called off of the roadway due to the conditions. Some weather conditions can be severe enough that roadway treatments, such as salt or sand, are not effective. In the event of an emergency, it may be impossible to get emergency vehicles to the scene.

Impassable or closed: A road that is impassable is blocked by snow or vehicles. A road that is closed has travel restricted by barricades, fence, gate, equipment/vehicles or other physical means. Iowa law prohibits motorists from entering a closed roadway or moving traffic control devices.