Arizona Traveler Information System (AZ511)

From traffic to the weather, az511 now has you covered

From traffic to the weather, az511 now has you covered

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From traffic to the weather, az511 now has you covered

From traffic to the weather, az511 now has you covered

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
September 19, 2019

It's time for that big family trip to the Grand Canyon. Everyone's ready, the car's packed and the destination entered into the GPS.

Only things left before hitting the open road are double-checking the traffic and the weather. And thanks to some help from the National Weather Service, you can do both with a quick stop at our Arizona Traveler Information site, az511.gov.

Since we revamped the traveler information site last year, users have been able to see forecasts and a live weather radar to track potential precipitation, in addition to information about incidents, road closures, construction and heavy traffic. But now we've added functionality with the ability to see National Weather Service watches, warnings and alerts.

Like other features at az511.gov, you can select "Weather Alert" from the menu on the right side of the screen. Storm cloud icons will populate the map if any watches, warnings or alerts are active. Just click on one of those icons to see the text, along with a map of the area involved. And just like that you have a good idea about what to expect on that drive up Interstate 17, whether it be fellow tourists or a possible thunderstorm.

Even if you are not leaving town, you can use this new feature to check for excessive heat warnings or even whether a monsoon storm is estimated to hit during your commute home, all while also looking at your customizable list of cameras and traffic alerts.

This is just the latest in a long line of features and options designed to help you be a more informed driver and to get from Point A to Point B safely and on time. If you haven't already, register for a free MyAZ511 account and download our 511 app for iOS and Android devices.

 

New sponsored 511 signs hitting the road

New sponsored 511 signs hitting the road

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New sponsored 511 signs hitting the road

New sponsored 511 signs hitting the road

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications
August 27, 2019

Something new, blue and helpful-to-you is popping up along Arizona highways, and it's just the beginning.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has installed the first four 511 business-sponsored signs as part its recently launched 511 Logo Signs initiative.

These signs bearing both 511 travel information and sponsor names are at Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway west of Priest Drive, Loop 202 Santan Freeway north of Williams Field Road, US 60 east of Stapley Road and State Route 64 in Tusayan.

As we shared in a post earlier this year, businesses can sponsor signs reminding motorists to call 511 for travel information. Horizontal, 60-by-18 inch placards listing the sponsor names are under the familiar blue 511 signs. 

The 511 Logo Sign Program was introduced in May with sign locations in the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas. Additional sign locations have just been added on other highways in Arizona, including interstates 8, 15, 19 and 40. 

Proceeds go to the Arizona State Highway Fund, which pays for highway maintenance and repairs around Arizona.

In addition to restaurants, eligible business categories include gas, lodging, camping, attractions and 24-hour pharmacies. Plans to open the 511 logo program to sponsors in motor vehicle-related goods or services categories are moving forward. 

Businesses are invited to contact program representatives at 855.712.4500 and learn more at 511LogoSigns.az.gov. To see ADOT’s newly redesigned Arizona Traveler Information website, please visit az511.gov.

511 Logo Signs: Build your brand – and a road

511 Logo Signs: Build your brand – and a road

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511 Logo Signs: Build your brand – and a road

511 Logo Signs: Build your brand – and a road

May 21, 2019

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

By now, Arizona drivers are accustomed to seeing blue signs along our highways that let us know what services are available at the next exit.

This summer you will begin seeing new blue signs with a new message for travelers but the same positive impact on local businesses and Arizona roads.

Instead of identifying local businesses like the current signs, the new 511 Logo Signs will remind drivers that highway information is available by calling 511.

For businesses, the signs represent an opportunity to gain exposure 24 hours a day and promote their brands along state highways. Sponsoring businesses – categories eligible to participate include food, gas, lodging, camping, attractions and 24-hour pharmacies – will have the area to themselves. Each sign will carry only one sponsor.

The signs will be posted first in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, then expand to Yuma and Flagstaff and later to other areas around Arizona.

As beneficial as the signs will be for the businesses represented on them, they may be just as much of a boost to the state. Proceeds from the program will go to the Arizona State Highway Fund to repair and maintain roads. The original blue signs have raised more than $6 million for that purpose over the past decade. And while it’s too early to predict the economic impact of the new program, every dollar in proceeds mean a dollar less is needed from state taxes to improve Arizona roads.

Business owners are invited to contact program representatives at 855.712.4500 to discuss their needs and potential signage solutions. Interested business owners can learn more about the program at 511LogoSigns.az.gov.

To see ADOT’s newly redesigned Arizona Traveler Information website, please visit az511.gov.

Improvement projects ramping up along Arizona’s high country highways

Improvement projects ramping up along Arizona’s high country highways

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Improvement projects ramping up along Arizona’s high country highways

Improvement projects ramping up along Arizona’s high country highways

May 16, 2019

PHOENIX – With warm weather returning, the Arizona Department of Transportation is resuming projects to repair and preserve the surfaces of state highways in Arizona’s high country.

While ADOT works to minimize delays for those traveling to and from northern Arizona, including not scheduling work over weekends and holidays, highways at higher elevations can only be paved during warmer months. Drivers heading north this summer should prepare by checking the Arizona Traveler Information site az511.gov, calling 511 and following ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) to get the latest information on highway restrictions.

“Summer is the best time to do work on northern Arizona highways because the overnight temperatures need to be high enough for new pavement to cure properly,” said Audra Merrick, district engineer for ADOT’s North Central District. “These projects help repair long-term damage to pavement from multiple winters.”

Work has resumed along Interstate 40 between Cataract Lake and Parks west of Flagstaff, with crews first repairing the Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic interchange in Williams. There will be ramp closures at this interchange through early June as crews repair the ramps and guardrail. Crews will finish the project by laying fresh pavement along 17 miles of I-40.

Last summer, crews rebuilt 5 miles of I-40 in each direction between Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads as well as a 1-mile section in each direction near the Parks interchange.

In June, ADOT will resume paving northbound Interstate 17 from the Coconino County line to the I-40 interchange in Flagstaff. Last year, crews rebuilt the highway between mileposts 312 and 315 and installed new bridges at Willard Springs Road.

A project scheduled to begin in mid-August will address pavement damage along State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. The project, covering nearly 12 miles between uptown Sedona and the Pumphouse Wash bridge, will mill down the damaged roadway and install new pavement and guardrail.

For more information on these and other projects in Arizona’s high country, and to sign up to receive project updates, please visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the North Central District.

ADOT’s free AZ 511 app, available for iOS and Android devices, allows you to save your favorite routes and destinations, learn about incidents or road work that may affect a trip, get estimated travel times and learn about alternate routes. It complements the free ADOT Alerts app, available at ADOTAlerts.com, which uses geofencing technology to alert motorists in an area about major, unplanned incidents such as closures and direct them to alternate routes.

Businesses invited to sponsor ADOT 511 travel information signs

Businesses invited to sponsor ADOT 511 travel information signs

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Businesses invited to sponsor ADOT 511 travel information signs

Businesses invited to sponsor ADOT 511 travel information signs

May 13, 2019

PHOENIX ‒ For nearly a decade, Arizona businesses have been reaching potential customers by placing their logos on blue signs located along freeways near their locations.

A new program from the Arizona Department of Transportation will offer a unique branding opportunity for qualifying companies while promoting and creating awareness of the 511 Arizona Traveler Information program.

Under the 511 Logo Signs program, businesses will be able to sponsor informational signs that remind drivers to call 511 for travel information. A horizontal sign listing the name of the sponsoring business will be attached at the bottom of the 511 sign.

“This new program provides a unique opportunity for Arizona companies to gain exposure 24 hours a day along our state’s highways,” said Kelly Mero, chief executive officer of ADOT’s Grand Canyon State Logo Signs. “With just one sponsoring business on each sign, 511 Logo Signs will increase brand awareness and enhance the image of sponsoring companies.”

Business categories eligible to take part in the program include food, gas, lodging, camping, attractions and 24-hour pharmacies. Sponsor signs will be 60 inches wide by 18 inches high, easily visible to passing drivers.

The cost for the 12-month program is $4,325, paid in advance, for the first year, which equates to about $360 per month. The package includes a one-year lease, fabrication and installation. A business can choose any available location for its sign, not just locations nearby.

Proceeds from the signs will go to the Arizona State Highway Fund, which pays for highway maintenance and repairs around Arizona.

Signs will be located primarily in the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas, and additional markets will be announced in the near future. Business owners are invited to contact program representatives at 855.712.4500 to discuss their needs and potential signage solutions. Interested business owners can learn more about the program at 511LogoSigns.az.gov.

To see ADOT’s newly redesigned Arizona Traveler Information website, please visit az511.gov.

Set up timely alerts on "My AZ511"

Set up timely alerts on "My AZ511"

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Set up timely alerts on "My AZ511"

Set up timely alerts on "My AZ511"

April 22, 2019

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications

The new AZ511 system at az511.gov allows motorists to personalize the alerts they receive. Users can create alerts to correspond to the routes they have set up.

Assuming you have set up a few of your most commonly traveled routes under "Manage My Routes,” you can open them under My AZ511. To the right of each route, you will several columns, including Posted Travel Time, Current Travel Time and Distance.

To the right of those, you will see tabs for View, Create Alert, Edit and Delete.

To set up alerts, click on Create Alert. This will open a screen that allows you to further personalize your travel experience. You are required to name your alert. If you have named your travel route something like “Home Again,” you can name your corresponding alert something like “Home Again Alert.”

You can set up under what circumstances you wish to receive an alert. You can choose to be notified when traffic on your route has slowed down and when travel time has increased. You can ask to be notified of certain incidents and events along your route.

You can tailor your alert even further by requesting to be alerted during certain hours and on days of the week and whether you want to be notified by email or SMS.

az511-events

The cool thing to remember is you can’t really make any mistakes. Anything you don’t like you can edit. If you want to start all over you can also delete your alerts!

Don't forget to add your phone when you create your My 511 account. If you've created a route, you can call the 511 system from the phone number linked to your account and hear a traffic report for the route you've created.

ADOT’s free AZ 511 app helps you plan your route and save time

ADOT’s free AZ 511 app helps you plan your route and save time

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT’s free AZ 511 app helps you plan your route and save time

ADOT’s free AZ 511 app helps you plan your route and save time

April 18, 2019

PHOENIX – Whether your trip is across town or to the other end of the state, a free AZ 511 mobile app now available from the Arizona Department of Transportation helps you plan ahead and save time.

A companion to the recently enhanced Arizona 511 Traveler Information website, AZ511.gov, and the 511 phone line, the app for iOS and Android devices allows you to save your favorite routes and destinations, learn about incidents or road work that may affect a trip, get estimated travel times and learn about alternate routes.

Because looking at a mobile device while driving is never safe, the app features a “drive mode” providing audio alerts that describe incidents along a route.

“The AZ 511 app is another way we’re helping Arizonans get to their destinations as efficiently and safely as possible,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Drivers have asked us for an app designed with their commutes in mind, and we have listened.”

The app includes views from more than 370 cameras along the state highway system and shows traffic flow along roadways. In addition to information on state highways, the app includes information from partner agencies.

Those looking for additional details on an incident can visit the mobile-friendly AZ511.gov website or call 511.

The app is available to download for free on the iOS App Store and Google Play for Android devices.

The AZ 511 app, website and phone line are part of a range of tools ADOT uses to help drivers navigate the state, including the agency’s popular Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook account (facebook.com/AZDOT). The AZ 511 app complements the free ADOT Alerts app, available at ADOTAlerts.com, which uses geofencing technology to alert motorists in an area about major, unplanned incidents such as closures due to crashes or weather and direct them to alternate routes.

"My AZ511" makes travel personal

"My AZ511" makes travel personal

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"My AZ511" makes travel personal

"My AZ511" makes travel personal

April 15, 2019

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications

The new mobile-friendly AZ511 system that provides up-to-the-minute conditions along Arizona’s highways can also be tailored to suit your personal travel needs.

Arizona Department of Transportation’s updated AZ511.gov website now offers a “My AZ511” feature that lets you save your favorite routes and traffic cameras.

This is how it works:

At the upper right of the screen you'll see a button for "My AZ511." Right click and you’ll see four options. We are focusing on the first: Manage Routes & Alerts.

2019-AZ511-Manage-Routes-Alerts

Click on Manage My Routes and you will see a box that says “Create New Route.” Click on this. It will open a dialog box allowing you to fill in a starting point address and ending point address under A and B.

Next, you can hit the button that looks like a car, or you can select the transit option next to it. Once you click this icon, you will get your travel time, travel distance and step-by-step directions.

2019-AZ511-app-traffic-cameras

You will also get notifications of roadwork, crashes and closures. You can see your route on the AZ511 map to the right of the “My Routes” box.

Going back into the “My Routes” box, you can name your route if you like. If it is one you are going to use over and over, we recommend you do so. (I have one called “Home Again.”)

To add to your cameras, click on a camera icon on the map. Then click the “add” button at the top of the camera popup.

Now you have your own personal route with photos that are intended to reflect traffic conditions when you plan on driving.

Have fun with this app, and stay tuned for a blog coming soon on Managing Alerts!

How to get the most from our new az511 website

How to get the most from our new az511 website

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How to get the most from our new az511 website

How to get the most from our new az511 website

March 18, 2019

By Kathy Cline / ADOT Communications

Welcome to your new AZ511 website! As with anything new, it may be overwhelming at first, but this change is to help give you even more relevant information. Here are some tips to help navigate the new site:

1. Register for an account. This allows you to personalize the site for your needs. Your information is never shared..

2. When you sign in, you'll see a menu on the right side of the screen. You can now choose which options you'd like to see when you sign in. Some standard options include crashes/incidents, project restrictions and cameras. But you can also get more details such as border wait times, traffic speeds, weather radar or our overhead message boards. If you want, you can even make this menu box disappear by clicking on the "Map Legend" box at the top left.

So play around a bit until you find the combination of information that's right for you. Just keep in mind that in general you should try not to have more than four options up at any one time. Any more may cause some slowing.

3. On the left side of the screen, you'll see "My Routes" and "Tweets." The Tweets tab displays ADOT's Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute information about crashes and closures. "My Routes" allows you to put in addresses you're starting from and where you are going. The site will then show you possible routes, turn-by-turn directions and what closures or restrictions you can expect on the way. If this a route you use often, you can even save it!

If you don't want to see this, simply click the arrow next to the "Tweets" tab to make it vanish.

4. At upper right you'll see a button for "My AZ 511." The links here will help personalize the site even more. You can create text or email alerts for your routes, create a list of frequently used freeway cameras or manage your account settings.

5. Under the "Traffic" button, a link to "Travel Times List" will show you how long it'll take to get from Point A to Point B on the same freeway and what the average speed is.

While the new site is live, we're still refining it and making sure all of the kinks are worked out. If you see a problem or have a suggestion for improving the site, go to the "About" tab and scroll down to "Contact Us" to submit your suggestion.

Remember, users can also call our recently upgraded 511 phone line to hear personalized updates.

Safe travels!

Big change but same purpose for az511.gov

Big change but same purpose for az511.gov

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Big change but same purpose for az511.gov

Big change but same purpose for az511.gov

March 13, 2019

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications

Heraclitus of Ephesus, a fifth century B.C. Greek philosopher, once summed up his views as "everything changes and nothing stands still."

We won't get into all the implications of that, but one we can take to heart is the idea that we have to keep changing and improving to provide the best service to Arizona's drivers.

As part of our continuing goal of making transportation personal, we've unveiled a revamped Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov and the 511 phone line that will allow individuals to get information specific to the routes they use every day.

Among the many changes, motorists visiting az511.gov can now:

  • See speed maps of state highways
  • Save favorite routes and traffic cameras
  • Get travel time estimates and alternate route suggestions
  • Set up text or email alerts for travel time/incident changes for favorite routes
  • See weather forecasts, radar and National Weather Service watching or warnings 
  • See ADOT's Twitter feed on the homepage

Travelers calling the 511 phone line will also be able to access new features including:

  • A new menu with voice recognition
  • The ability to transfer to state and national parks, airports and other transportation-related contacts
  • The ability to transfer to the Adopt a Highway line to report littering

Users receive all of this plus a redesigned, mobile-friendly interface. This redesign will also be accompanied in the near future by an app version for iOS and Android devices.

The aim here is clear: Whether you are planning a road trip or heading to work, we want you to get information you need on the highways, whether that be Loop 101, Interstate 10, State Route 77 or State Route 86.

We are still adding features and will be addressing issues with the new system. If you see something we can improve, you can use the "Contact us" link that is under the "About" drop down menu on the new site.