Just in time for another major winter storm, the Department of Transportation is launching its new 511 automated information system for travelers to call.
Doug Dembowski with the state Traffic Operation Center says the service provides a wide variety of travel information, such as road closures, weather conditions, and traffic. He says much of that information is updated in real time, as conditions changes across the state.
The 511 number replaces the state's old 1-800-ROAD-WIS line. Dembowski says the old system had outlived its use. Also, the new number should be much easier for motorists to remember.
Dembowski says the system is up and running, but callers should try to keep the line quiet for the best results. He says the voice prompts need background noise to be reduced, in order to work effectively. There are keypad options as a backup.
The DOT also hopes to expand the information available through the phone line in the future.