Free Service to Help Motorists Save Time and Money
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has launched an enhanced 511 Traveler Information System, providing traffic camera images, travel time estimates and other technological tools to help motorists navigate South Carolina’s roadways.
Other new features of South Carolina’s “Next Generation 511 System” include an interactive map showing locations of traffic incidents and construction projects; average speeds of traffic; weather information; and twitter accounts to provide users with real-time important travel information.
“We think the public will want to take advantage of this user-friendly, new technology to help make their travel as efficient and safe as possible,” said SCDOT Director of Traffic Engineering Tony Sheppard. “We are especially glad to have the new system in place for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. An informed motorist can avoid problem areas and not only make their trip better, but help lessen overall traffic congestion.”
The 511 system provides real-time traffic information on all South Carolina Interstate highways and major highways along the coast. The statewide system provides information on construction projects, lane closures, crashes, congestion and severe weather affecting traffic.
SCDOT’s 511 system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed by computer, telephone, smartphone or tablet.
Website
The site shows a South Carolina map with icons such as orange cones indicating highway construction sites; red triangles indicating traffic incidents; cameras to display real-time images; message signs that show what overhead, variable and dynamic messages are being shown to motorists; highway advisory radio messages; weather-related closures and other events. The map also displays traffic speeds of interstate highway and local roads; weather information, provided by the National Weather Service.
The site map is powered by Google Maps, with 511 information placed in layers. Simply use the map as you would any Google map and click on the icons for more information. To view primary and local roads, simply zoom in on the map.
Telephone
The 511 telephone service is an interactive, voice-activated roadway and traffic information system accessed by calling 511 from your home, office, or cell phone.
To stay safe on our highways, SCDOT advises users to make 511 calls before getting on the road, have a non-driver in the vehicle make the calls or pull over in a safe place before making calls.
The interactive telephone system has more choices for the user so information can be limited to a motorist’s travel route. Information by telephone includes travel times, average speeds of traffic, distance between segments and weather forecasts.
Smartphone Application
SCDOT is introducing 511 smartphone applications to meet the growing trend of information on mobile devices. Currently, the applications work on phones and tablets that operate on the iPhone and Android platforms. These applications will notify users of incidents and construction on their predetermined route. You can also see traffic cameras. Links to download the applications are on the 511 website under “Extras” and “511 Tools.” Do not use these applications while you are driving. Be safe and either pull over or have a passenger access while in a motor vehicle.
Twitter
The social media site twitter is another way for users of the 511 system to learn of real-time incidents and construction. The Twitter links are broken down into four geographic regions of the state:
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