About 511

The Vermont Agency of Transportation introduces an updated 1-800-ICY-ROAD service to help commuters and travelers access information regarding weather-related road conditions, construction and congestion, via the web or phone – 24/7.

Part of a National Effort:

• The FCC designated “511” as the national traveler information phone number and VTrans is one of a handful of state DOT’s seeking to implement the service.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) are leading deployment efforts and the development of guidelines for a seamless and comprehensive service nationwide.

• Vermont Department of Safety and VTrans has been trusted and reliable sources of travel information for many years through the 1-800-ICY-ROAD and VermontRoads.com website.
• The new service will provide enhanced service that is available directly to travelers via the web or phone – 24/7 - and include voice recognition, increased calling capacity and easier-to-navigate web pages.
• By knowing state highway road conditions, travelers will be able to better plan for their trips and commutes and in the future, abbreviated dialing of 511 will make the information even easier to reach.

• The Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS) will be the primary source of data for 511 services.
• VTrans and Vermont State Police staff from dispatch centers and out in the field use this system to maintain real-time information about travel conditions throughout the state.
• The system continues to evolve as one comprehensive and timely source of data that ultimately improves the information available through services like websites and 1-800-ICY-ROAD.

• In Vermont to access the statewide travel information system via phone, including your mobile phone, just dial "5-1-1".
• To access the states travel information from any phone, including mobile phones, when calling from outside of Vermont dial 800-ICY-ROAD. This number will also work from Canada.
• Travel information phone calls between VT, NH and ME can be accomplished by dialing 511 within the border of any of these three states.
• You can also access the statewide travel information system over the internet at: www.511vt.org

• Weather-related road conditions
• Traffic incidents
• Highway Construction

• Vermont is part of an 8-state consortium that is sharing the cost to design and develop the system.
• In addition to Vermont, the participating states are Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New Mexico.
• The service is provided free of charge to the public. Cell phone users will pay for normal airtime and roaming charges according to their wireless service contracts.

• The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America): www.itsa.org/511.html
• U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT): www.its.dot.gov/511/511.htm
• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO): 511.transportation.org