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Road condition details available by dialing 511
by Staff
The Wilkes Communications Center is encouraging the public to utilize the 511 automated voice response system to find out about hazardous road conditions instead of calling the communications center.
Capt. David Carson, communications center director for the Wilkes Sheriff’s Department, said 911 calls to the communications center about road conditions hamper the ability of telecommunicators (dispatchers) to respond to emergency calls.
Carson said this has been a problem during recent snowy and icy conditions.
The North Carolina 511 system is part of a nationwide effort to disseminate travel information to the public via another venue, the telephone. The 511 system was implemented in North Carolina in the summer of 2004.
511 uses an automated voice response system, which means callers are guided through a menu with a series of requests. Callers can ask for specific areas, and the system will provide information about traffic incidents, closures and other important roadway conditions.
In July of 2000, the Federal Communications Commission assigned 511 for nationwide access to travel information services. 511 is an abbreviated dialing code for travelers to access highway, multi-modal, and other pertinent travel information via landline or wireless phones.
By collecting travel information, DOT is able to disseminate information to the public, the users of the DOT highway system, to assist in the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. By giving the public access to travel information like construction, incidents, traffic, and transit, the public can make educated decisions about travel times, routes, and modes.
Types of information available on the 511 system includes:
• traffic incidents and major closures on interstates and other federal and state roads in the state;
• weather conditions statewide;
• road construction planned or under way;
• links to neighboring states’ 511 phone systems. |
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