New 511 Traveler Information System Operational October 1

Nebraska's new high-tech weather and road condition reporting system is operational and available to travelers since October 1. Nebraska is the first state to utilize 511 statewide for traveler information since the Federal Communication Commission designated 511 for that purpose. Travelers will be able to access the Advanced Traveler Weather Information System (ATWIS) by dialing 511 from any cellular telephone or land line telephone. In addition, 511 information will eventually be available via the Internet through the Nebraska Department of Roads web site at www.dor.state.ne.us or the Nebraska State Patrol web site at www.nebraska.state.patrol.org.

511 will replace the current weather and road condition report service offered by the State Patrol via a toll-free 800 number. The State Patrol system relied on officers observing and reporting weather and road conditions from the field. The information was then compiled and recorded five times per day or more frequently as weather conditions and workloads permitted. As of October 1, callers to the Nebraska State Patrol's toll free information line (1-800-906-9069) will be connected to the 511 system. Anyone outside of Nebraska can dial the same number as in the past which is (402) 471-4533. That number will also connect directly to the 511 system.

Unlike the Patrol's service, which operated only during the winter driving season, 511 will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all weeks a year. ATWIS, developed by Meridian Environmental of Fargo, North Dakota, will serve as the backbone of the 511 system.

As part of ATWIS, Nebraska has been blanketed by a network of 1 kilometer grids, slightly larger than a township, to provide up todate information around the clock. When travelers call 511, a recording will ask for their location, highway number, and direction of travel. Current conditions are then provided for the next 60 miles ahead of them. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota currently utilize ATWIS. Nebraska will have the first statewide system in the nation that accepts calls from both cellular and landline telephones.

Initially, 511 will offer localized reports on weather and road conditions. Eventually, the system will carry construction and detour information and tourist information. That might include advertisements by hotels and motels as well as restaurants on Nebraska's nearly 10,000 miles of state and federal highways, including expressways and interstates.

There will be no charge to callers for using 511 thanks to a cooperative effort between the state and communications carriers. Nebraska's Division of Communications will track implementation of 511 by local telephone exchange companies and cellular services. Through the Public Service Commission, the state will provide informational material to announce the availability of 511 in local telephone directories.

The Department of Roads and the State Patrol are funding the system at a first year cost of approximately $120,000, with an estimated annual operating cost of $110,000. The State Patrol will dedicate funds previously allocated for the weather line and the Department of Roads anticipates federal Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) grant funding to cover the cost of the new system.

Governor Mike Johanns applauded those involved with the project, "The developers of the new 511 system established a public/private partnership and sought grants to provide a far superior service to Nebraskans without pending more state tax dollars. It's important to note that this service will benefit all Nebraskans. This isn't just state-of-the-art technology for the metro areas, this represents our commitment to the entire state by making Intelligent Transportation Systems a reality in rural Nebraska, too."

The Director of the Nebraska Department of Roads, John Craig, called the new system an important advancement, "We at the Department of Roads are pleased to be on the cutting edge of information technology. We know the citizens of Nebraska will be well served by this year 'round traveler information system. 511 will be a valuable service and a key safety resource."

Colonel Tom Nesbitt, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol is confident this new technology will impact public safety, "Travelers will have up to the minute information relevant to their specific location. We hope that will translate into a more cautious approach by travelers. In addition to the safety benefits, this new system will free-up officers to focus on law enforcement issues during severe weather rather than reporting road conditions."

The Public Service Commission played a key role in the 511 project. Commissioner Anne Boyle said, "The 511 system provides users with ease of access to important, potentially lifesaving, information while traveling. This is one of the many benefits of our new technological world."

Any media who were unable to attend the news conference but are interested in doing a story about 511 can contact any Nebraska Department of Roads District Engineer or one of the following Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Commanders; Captain Parker in the Scottsbluff area at (308) 632-1211, Captain Parish in the North Platte area at (308) 535-8047, Lieutenant Anderson in the Grand Island area at (308) 385-6000, Captain Winkler in the Norfolk area at (402) 370-3456, Captain Jones in the Omaha area at (402) 331-3333, and Captain Fisher in the Lincoln area at (402) 471-4680.