Tennessee 511 Celebrates Successful First Year

Nashville, Tenn. – In its first year of operation, more than three-quarter million people have turned to Tennessee 511 for travel information. One year ago today at 2:00 p.m. CST, Governor Phil Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely launched 511, placing information about roadway and weather conditions in Tennessee at everyone’s fingertips.

“This has been a great first year for Tennessee’s 511 system,” said Nicely. “As with most projects, the first year operating 511 has been a learning experience for both the TDOT employees who work with the system and our law enforcement partners who help input information into 511. We’ve received a lot of feedback and ideas on ways to improve the system and in the coming year we will initiate an upgrade to 511 that will make the service even better than it is today.”

To date, 779,442 callers have accessed the 511 system, which provides current information on statewide traffic conditions, Amber Alerts, access to TDOT’s Record-A-Comment phone line, and links to 511 systems in neighboring states, like Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and soon Georgia.

“TDOT’s 511 system is a great tool for both Tennessee motorists and visitors traveling through our state,” added Judy Steele, TDOT Community Relations Director. “There’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck in traffic when you’re in a hurry. 511 lets motorists know what lies ahead on the roadway allowing them to bypass incidents that could slow their commute.”

It is important to note that general congestion, such as daily rush hour traffic, is not reported through the 511 system. Also, Tennessee 511 provides information on construction-related lane closures, but does not provide detailed information on construction projects. That information can be found on TDOT’s web site www.tennessee.gov/tdot.

511 uses both touch-tone and voice-activated technology. Callers can access options either by using their phone keypad or by simply speaking. It is very important to remember to use 511 safely. TDOT recommends that drivers have a passenger dial 511 to gather information, or if there is no passenger, pull to the side of the road to use the service.

The Tennessee 511 system is a component of a nationwide plan to provide reliable traveler information to the motoring public. Tennessee was the 24th state to launch a 511 system since the initiative began in 2000.

Tennessee 511 can be accessed 24-hours a day, either by phone or on the internet at www.TN511.com.