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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has launched the new, bilingual Florida 511 which will provide Interstate 4 drivers access to traveler information statewide. The new Florida 511 replaces the existing regional Central Florida 511 system, and provides real-time traffic information on all interstates (including I-4), all toll-roads (including Florida’s Turnpike) and 13 other roads in Central Florida. The new Florida 511has a different look and sound, with additional features and benefits to Florida drivers.
Language preferences and menu options are the first changes users will encounter after calling the new 511 phone system. Instead of entering the Central Florida system, callers will hear, “You’ve reached Florida’s 511 Traveler Information Service, brought to you by the Florida Department of Transportation. Para Español, diga ‘Español’ o marque el dos.” 511 will list travel information available, “Do you want information about, ‘traffic’, ‘travel times’, ‘public transit’, ‘airports and seaports’ or ‘other options’?” To immediately access traffic information and travel times for a specific region, callers can ask for a ‘city’ or ‘county’ or ‘roadway’.
Another change of the new 511 system is a fully integrated statewide Web site at FL511.com. The new site provides all the real-time traffic information available through the 511 phone system, plus much more including hundreds of FDOT traffic camera views and the most anticipated new feature: My Florida 511 personalized services.
The new Florida 511 system incorporates useful travel features, including commuter travel times, traffic cameras and more, that Central Floridans have utilized since Central Florida 511’s launch in 2002. In addition, the new system creates a consistent, statewide interface, so callers from Pensacola to Key West can benefit from the 511 features Central Floridians have grown to love, plus more!
Florida 511 Features
- 511 is a free call from landlines and cell phones, however standard minute and text charges may apply.
- 511 reports on all interstate highways, toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike and many other major metropolitan roadways.
- In the Central Florida area, 511 covers the following roads:
- I-4
- I-95
- SR-50/Colonial Drive
- SR-408/East-West Expressway
- SR-417/Central Florida Greeneway
- SR-429/Western Beltway
- SR-436/Semoran Boulevard
- SR-528/Beachline Expressway
- US-17/92/Orlando Avenue/Mills Avenue
- US-192/Irlo Bronson Highway
- US-441/US-17/92/Orange Blossom Trail
- John Young Parkway/Lee Road
- Maitland Boulevard
- Florida’s Turnpike
Click here to see the new Florida 511 statewide coverage map.
- The system provides information on crashes, congestion, commuter travel times, construction, lane closures and severe weather affecting travel.
- 511 callers can access public transit, airport and seaport information.
- Information is updated as incidents occur and conditions change on roadways. Commuter travel times are automatically updated every few minutes around the clock.
- Voice-activated or touch-tone navigation is available. A caller can switch to touch-tone mode at any time during a call by entering 88.
- FL511.com is FDOT’s official Web site for travel information, traffic cameras and free personalized services, including registration for customized travel routes and e-mail, text and phone call alerts.
- AMBER, Silver and Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) alerts and emergency evacuation information are reported on the 511 phone system and FL511.com.
Florida 511 Benefits
- Helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and road construction
- Reduces frustration and relieves stress for travelers
- Helps users make informed travel choices
- Allows users to change their travel behavior including altering their routes and departure times
- Reduces time spent idling in traffic which reduces emissions
- Information available on the Web and mobile Web (mobile.FL511.com)
- Increases driver convenience by delivering traffic information to users when they want it
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