VDOT launches improved traffic Web site

Posted to: News Transportation and Traffic Virginia

Associated Press
© August 20, 2008

RICHMOND, Va.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is launching an improved 511 traffic information Web site.

Officials say the new site allows travelers to personalize information about construction, accidents and driving directions. Travelers can also receive free mobile alerts.

The free 511 system provides users with incident and construction information. That information is gathered from VDOT crews, safety service patrols, state police dispatchers and some local law-enforcement agencies.

The site can be accessed at www.511virginia.org and by calling 511.

Officials say 511 Virginia has received more than 5.2 million calls and 2 million Web site visits since its start in 2002.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules. Comments do not reflect the views or approval of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Repeat offenders will be denied automatic posting privileges.

DUH?

Submitted by aalto on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 7:13 pm.

Every morning driving 264 into downtown norfolk the informantional signs say "downtown tunnel congested". WOW! How did they figure that out? VDOT is so insightful. Gee. Thanks.

report violation

What about the radio station?

Submitted by MostlyConfused on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 3:46 pm.

What about improving that radio station? 640AM or whatever it is. There's so little broadcast power that usually all I get is static. That's a whole lot safer than recommending people use their phones while driving.

report violation

511 Voice Terrible

Submitted by tj on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 1:34 pm.

I'll tell you this - the 511 voice system is the worst implementation of an information system I have ever dealt with. It almost NEVER gets what I'm saying. I don't have an accent and speak clearly. I call to try to get HRBT status. I've left a few "messages about their service" to let them know. IF they ever get it straight, great. Anyone else been successful at getting 511 to recognize what you were saying?

report violation

Those signs are a waste

Submitted by MostlyConfused on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 1:19 pm.

Those signs are really a waste of money, because I don't think anyone believes what they say. They can't even get the HOV-2 thing right a lot of days.

report violation

Accurate Alerts?

Submitted by RicM25798 on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 11:43 am.

I think I'll avoid getting those "free mobile alerts". I suspect that what's being displayed on all those "smart signs" will be the same as what's sent to my cell phone - and those are accurate about 1/2 the time.