Please, won't you be our neighbor? 

It' s September 28, and as such, it is National Good Neighbor Day. 

As a good neighbor, we’d love to share a tidbit of knowledge. It’s not quite sugar but if you are planning a trip, it may be just as sweet. 

I’m offering you a look at ADOT’s AZ511 app.

When planning a trip within Arizona, you'll know how to get there by using our useful app. Over time, you might begin to appreciate and embrace its utility. It provides real-time traffic conditions, as well as access to our statewide network of traffic cameras. There are other goodies, as well. AZ511 allows you to see construction zones, closures, truck routes and much more.

Fun fact: Embedded in this article is a glimpse of how AZ511's interface has changed over time. The toggle at the top is a look at the web version, az511.gov. Slide it back and forth to compare the differences in the website from when it began to today.

The benefits of the AZ511 app crystalized for me recently when my wife and I took a roadtrip. We wanted to travel new roads, so we looked to the app for alternative routes. We settled on traveling east on US 60 to Globe and then US 70 to Safford. Following the app's suggested route took us past beautiful eastern Arizona landscapes. 

As the mile-markers piled on, I could see the map in my head coming to life. Having planned the route beforehand allowed me to anticipate twists and turns along the way. It was as though I were tracing the journey with my finger, just as I often do when I want to find something on a map. 

Planning with the aid of AZ511 was much more enjoyable than the impromptu I-think-we-have-to-go-this-way attitude that governed my youth. If my mid-30s have taught me anything, it's that a little planning goes a long way.

After all, if you don’t know where you are going, you might end up some place else.     
  

National App Day is Dec. 11, which gives us the perfect opportunity to remind you about ADOT’s apps and their roles in making our lives easier.

According to its description, National App Day “encourages us to explore all the possibilities that apps afford us.” ADOT's apps provide timely information so that motorists can navigate Arizona’s highways safely and efficiently, without worry of driving into an unplanned highway closure.

The ADOT Alerts, AZ511, Broadway Curve and Virgin River Bridge apps are highway travel apps. The fifth app is the Arizona Mobile ID app, which is a digital driver license or state ID card in your smartphone.  

All of these apps are free and can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.

Here's a brief overview of each app:

ADOT Alerts app

This is the app to get to avoid a driivng into an unplanned traffic jam. ADOT Alerts provides real-time information about unplanned, major events so that you can make informed decisions. This helps motorists avoid lengthy delays or potentially dangerous situations. The app sends alerts directly to your smart phone concerning major crashes, serious weather incidents and other unplanned unexpected events occuring near your location.

Click here for more information.

AZ511 app

The AZ511 app works in conjunction with AZ511.gov, the Arizona Traveler Information website, to provide the latest information on conditions along the state highway system. It provides information about crashes, severe weather, highway or lane closures, estimated route speeds, and route alternatives. It also offers views from highway cameras, which users to view real-time traffic conditions. Users can also save routes and receive alerts when conditions change.

Click here for more information.

Broadway Curve app

The app provides updates and information about the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. Users can learn about closures and restrictions, real-time traffic information, detour routes and more. You can also opt-in to receive push notifications about unplanned traffic issues that suddenly arise.

Click here for more information.

Virgin River Bridge app

The app helps drivers stay updated on traffic restrictions for the Virgin River Bridge #1 Replacement project in northwest Arizona. In addition to lane restrictions or closures, motorists will receive updates on width and weight restrictions. And drivers of oversize vehicles are informed about detours using US 93, Nevada State Route 319 and Utah State Route 56.

Click here for more information.

Arizona Mobile ID app

The Arizona Mobile ID (mID) is a voluntary, secure, digitized version of your MVD-issued driver license or ID card that you carry in an app on your smartphone. Everything else is in your phone -- credit cards, house keys, car keys, event tickets, etc. -- and now your ID can be, too. Because mID is a new technology, you should continue to carry your physical ID with you because not all entities are able to verify mobile ID yet. MVD urges people to always carry their physical ID when driving so it can be used in interactions with law enforcement during traffic stops or incidents.

MVD will continue to issue physical, plastic credentials and use of mID is voluntary.

Click here for details about this new feature.

For more ADOT reading about apps, check these out blogs and releases: 

• Smartphone app helps with I-15 Virgin River Bridge project traffic
• Faceoff: AZ511 versus ADOT Alerts apps
• AZ511 app a habit worth picking up 

Because ADOT apps can change our lives every day, we think it appropriate to celebrate them all year, not just National App Day.

In 2018, ADOT set out to modernize its AZ 511 Traveler Information System that allows motorists to quickly find out about traffic conditions. 

The goal was to help you avoid traffic jams and road closures by creating several ways for you to get essential highway information. 

The mission, as they say, was accomplished and with flying colors! 

This year, the Intelligent Transportation Society of Arizona named ADOT’s updated AZ 511 system the “Best ITS Implementation Project in Arizona” of 2020.

But, the real measure of success is you, the motorist. And you have flocked to the AZ511.gov website, 511 phone system and AZ 511 app.

ADOT's goal was to make is easier for you to avoid sudden changes in road conditions, construction sites and weather emergencies. We wanted to provide speed maps, so you could check on traffic flow and offer information about wait times at international borders.

The result: An intelligent traffic system that lets you make informed decisions.

The spiffed-up AZ 511 system also offers a personalized experience with “MY AZ 511.” This provides tailored information about the routes you take every day. 

You can also choose a delivery method: You can either receive an email or SMS message, or you can use a phone to call the 511 phone line. Both will give you what you want to know about the routes you commonly navigate.

ADOT’s 2020 statistics show a steep increase in AZ 511 users. 

• In just one year, the AZ511.gov page views increased by nearly 400,000. About 2.2 million sessions were logged in 2020.
• The number of AZ 511 app users also soared, showing a 26% increase in downloads between 2019 and 2020. 
• There was also an 8% jump in 511 phone calls. 

When it comes to serious emergencies, such as the winter storm in March 2020, the numbers skyrocketed. During the storm, a great many of you turned to ADOT’s modernized AZ 511 system. Here are some key stats: 

• AZ 511 phone calls rose 440% in 24 hours.
• New AZ511.gov users spiked from 2,089 on March 17 to 8,272 on March 19.
• AZ 511 app usage rose 42%.

The award-winning AZ 511 system is a collaborative effort among ADOT Communications and Public Involvement, Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division, Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division and the Information Technology Group. ADOT also works with many other state, regional and city partners on the system. 

Have you ever been to Lake Havasu?

If you haven’t had the chance, you can get a visual tour courtesy of six new AZ 511 cameras recently installed along State Route 95 in Lake Havasu City.

These cameras are part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's Traveler Information website available to everyone at AZ511.gov. You can also see them on the AZ 511 app. 

Starting from the southern most camera in Lake Havasu City and heading north along Lake Havasu, the new cameras are located at Acoma Boulevard, Smoketree Avenue, Palo Verde Boulevard, Kiowa Boulevard, Chenoweth Road and The Shops Boulevard.

You can catch glimpses of the shining blue expanse of Lake Havasu from the Kiowa and Acoma cameras and stunning mountain views from cameras at Chenoweth and The Shops.

It’s like a travel tool. Where do you want to go? Let’s check the AZ 511 cameras.

Of course, viewing places you’ve never seen is just one of many uses of these vital ADOT tools.

These cameras were installed after ADOT updated traffic management technology along a 13-mile stretch of the highway. The technology allows engineers to monitor traffic conditions remotely, adjust signal timing, and diagnose and correct problems.

The cameras help engineers visually inspect the signals to ensure they are working properly and not in flash or otherwise malfunctioning.

“I like to have a camera between two traffic signals. That let’s us see a mile in each direction,” Eltringham said. “You can zoom in pretty well.”

AZ 511 cameras also:

• Allow highway supervisors to assess crashes, floods, snow and other issues and respond with by sending crews and equipment to mitigate problems.
• Allow dispatchers and DPS troopers in ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center to find the locations of crashes and other mishaps and immediately dispatch appropriate personnel.
• Allow members of the public to check their routes before they head out using the AZ511.gov website or the AZ511 app.
  

Additional cameras will be added to AZ511 as they become available. ADOT now has more than 400 traffic cameras throughout the state, which you can see by going to AZ511.gov and clicking “Cameras” in the menu on the right. On the AZ511 app, choose “Cameras” after clicking on the menu in the top right corner.

Here a few additional blogs about  how AZ 511 cameras can help you: 

• Has a fire closed this highway? ADOT can tell you.
• My AZ511 makes travel personal
• Seeing is believing: ADOT has 20 more traffic cameras
• Pics from new rural cameras help you see it happen

On June 4, two wildfires ignited about 60 miles east of Phoenix and forced the closure of highways in the Globe area.

News was happening quickly and additional highways were closed to allow firefighters to battle a blaze that has been as big as 165,000 acres. 

So, how were you, the motorist, supposed to know State Route 77, US 70, State Route 170 and parts of US 60 were closed because of the fire? What if, for example, you were already on your way to a destination in the now-inaccessible fire zone? 

Fortunately, the Arizona Department of Transportation offers you a number of free-of-charge options to inform you about highway conditions. 

1. ADOT Alerts app and @ArizonaDOT on Twitter: 

If you download the ADOT Alerts app, you will receive emergency alerts on your cellphone about closures such as those caused by the Telegraph Fire. 

Do you follow us on Twitter @ArizonaDOT? Twitter provides immediate information about significant condition shifts. You can even ask questions and get a quick response. But, don’t turn to Twitter while driving; either pull off the highway or ask a passenger to check it for you. 

2. Dynamic Message Signs 

If you forgot your phone, or it needs a charge, you can always look up and read ADOT’s overhead message boards. These large signs provide emergency messages as well as safety information and travel times. With 18-inch-long, illuminated characters, it should be easy to see a sign warning you miles in advance that a highway is blocked.

3. The Arizona Traveler Information System: Call 511, download the AZ 511 App and visit the AZ511.gov website.

Did you know we have a phone number you can call to check road conditions? Calling 511 will give you immediate information about unplanned crashes or closures. It also has a host of additional uses, including providing directions and information about parks while also allowing you to report those littering on the highway. 

Be in the know before you go and check your AZ 511 App or the AZ511.gov website. You will find information about closures, crashes, construction, plot a route or be informed there’s a problem on your route. Among the array of tools at your fingertips is the camera icon, which allows you to view ADOT's network of cameras across the state.  

The app is the smartphone version of the website. Before you head out, check your route with one of these tools. 

4. Facebook and azdot.gov

Facebook provides news about sudden highway changes as well as features stories, photo layouts and in-depth articles about a variety of ADOT topics. We suggest checking our Facebook page when you are not behind the wheel of a car. 

For expanded information about closures, constructions, detailed looks at major news and projects, read our news stories and blogs on azdot.gov. 

5. Email updates

For information about construction and other projects sent right to your inbox, subscribe to email notifications. You will find out about upcoming road closures and other planned events.

So, in short, if you are already on the road, the ADOT Alerts app, AZ 511 app, Twitter and overhead message boards will alert you to problems. Before you head out, check out AZ511.gov or call 511. And for deeper dives about closures and other topics, read azdot.gov. If you want to know about upcoming projects, subscribe to email updates at azdot.gov/Subscribe.

At the Arizona Department of Transportation, we understand the meaning behind our True North, Safely Home.  In our vision to become the safest and most reliable transportation system in the nation, we want everyone who travels on our roads to get to their destinations, Safely Home. That means providing rest areas and parking spaces especially for truck drivers.  I am sure you have seen the long line of trucks parked on the side of a highway, which isn’t the best solution to keep truckers and motorists safe, when a rest area is full.

I am pleased to announce we have incorporated the number of truck parking spaces at our rest areas in ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information 511 website. This new feature at az511.gov allows commercial vehicle drivers to see how many total spaces are available at each rest area on their routes. Truckers can click on the “Map Legend” box on the right-hand side of the screen and check the box next to “Rest Areas” to bring up the rest areas on the map. Clicking on a rest area location provides details on that rest area including the number of truck spaces. It’s one of the ways we use technology to keep everyone safe.

Providing opportunities for long-haul truckers to rest is important in keeping commerce flowing in Arizona. During this unprecedented time, truckers have been key to keeping grocery stores stocked and medical facilities supplied. Facilitating these safe locations for rest is part of ADOT’s vision.

There are currently 430 total truck parking spaces at the state’s 27 rest area facilities.

ADOT temporarily reopened two rest areas in Northern Arizona: Parks on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff and Christensen on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff. Both rest areas provide an additional 44 parking spaces for commercial vehicles. We opened these two rest areas in response to the current public health situation.

We have projects underway to upgrade two I-40 rest areas, Haviland and Meteor Crater, which will expand truck parking spaces by 38 and 60, respectively. Both truck parking expansion projects are scheduled to be completed this summer.

The I-10 Corridor Coalition, a partnership between Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, has been developing a program that alerts commercial truck drivers to available truck parking at Interstate 10 rest areas. The Coalition received a federal grant to fund this effort. Our az511 enhancements are aligned with the Corridor Coalition efforts.

At ADOT, we want to provide help to truckers who are in need of rest with the latest technology.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

That's an old saying from the beginning of the Internet era. We are not going to touch on its veracity, but will instead substitute it for one of our own: Pics help you see what's happened.

That's why we are excited that our Arizona Traveler Information website at az511.gov has added 21 new cameras along rural highways across the state. Cameras along state highways are an invaluable tool for us to look at weather and traffic. But that's valuable information for anyone, which is why they can be accessed by drivers to get a look at what they might encounter once they leave home. 

So if you are taking US 60 through Globe, you now have three cameras to give you a view of the road. Or if you are heading from Phoenix to Casa Grande on Interstate 10, you might appreciate the two cameras now available around Sacaton – like in the image to the right – to give you an idea of how traffic is moving. Feel free to explore for yourself to see what cameras are at there, but know that this recent addition gives us new cameras on US 93 north of Kingman, US 89 north of Flagstaff, State Route 264 at Ganado and Window Rock and along SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. 

Additional cameras will be added to AZ511 as they become available. ADOT now has more than 400 traffic cameras throughout the state, which you can view by going to az511.gov, and clicking “Cameras” in the upper right corner. On the AZ511 app, choose “Road Cameras” after clicking on the three gold-triangle icon in the lower right corner.

In addition to easy access to traffic cameras, AZ511 app users can receive information about delays, crashes, construction and closures. They get real-time information and receive alerts about their routes.

I don’t know about you, but it takes a mighty strong incentive for me to change my habits. But after getting stuck in one too many traffic jams, I’ve found one: the AZ511 mobile app.

For me, the benefits of the AZ511 app offer a strong argument for incorporating it as a daily ritual.

I no longer leap ignorantly behind the wheel of my car. When it comes to navigating roadways, ignorance is not bliss. Nowadays, I click on the AZ511 app and plot the best route to my destination.

Forewarned is forearmed, they say.

The AZ511 app informs me of crashes, serious weather, highway or lane closures, estimated route speeds and route alternatives. It also offers the use of highway cameras, which let me see real-time traffic conditions, and it saves and provides alerts to regularly used routes.

It saves me time. It saves me frustration. It gives me a sense of security that I know what, if anything, faces me during my commute or weekend trip. It adds to the enjoyment of Arizona travel.

The app is available for Android and iPhone devices. You can get it on AZ511.gov at this link. It works with another helpful ADOT travel tool, AZ511.gov, the Arizona Traveler Information website that aims to provide the most current information on highway conditions.

Get the AZ511 app. You won’t want to get on the road without it.

If seeing is believing, then Phoenix-area motorists can now get behind the wheel more confident than ever of what to expect when it comes to traffic conditions.

That's because we have added 20 traffic cameras on either end of the Valley to the Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, giving drivers an even better look at what's happening on three freeways.

In the East Valley, nine additional cameras are available along the Loop 202 Santan Freeway from US 60 to Higley Road, like the one at Ray Road that took the image at right.

In the West Valley, five cameras are now providing images along Interstate 10 near Loop 303, from Estrella Parkway to Perryville Road. Another six cameras provide views of Loop 303 between I-10 and Northern Avenue.

ADOT now has more than 400 traffic cameras throughout Arizona’s highways showing traffic and weather conditions.

Accessible to everyone on our az511.gov website and/or AZ511 app, the cameras effectively act as eyes on the road, allowing drivers to see conditions before beginning a daily commute or weekend trip.

To view them at az511.gov, click “Cameras” in the upper right corner and the map will populate with them.  A list version is also available.

On the AZ511 app, choose “Road Cameras” after clicking on the three gold-triangle icon in the lower right corner.

In addition to easy access to traffic cameras, AZ511 app users can receive information about delays, crashes, construction and closures. They get real-time information and receive alerts about their routes.