Today Tennessee became the 24th state to have a state-wide 511 phone number for traffic and weather updates.
The system is voice automated.
“To hear up to date traffic information, say traffic conditions, or press one.”
TDOT Motorist Information Coordinator John Hall is the voice of 511. He says callers can name a specific route such as I-65 or I-40 and learn of traffic delays. Hall says the information for interstates, and state and U.S. routes is updated every 5 minutes.
“What I would encourage someone in the Nashville area to do is to call before they leave the house. They can actually call the system and find out, ok that construction project that I’ve seen them setting up, but it’s not blocking the road yet. Is it? Well you can find out. The construction information would be on there if it is.”
Hall says TDOT is busying working out the final kinks. Today there were pauses when the system should have played certain phrases. TDOT hopes to finish posting blue 511 signs across the state by next week.
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