NJDOT touts successful 511 Traveler Alert System

introduced the 511 Traveler Alert phone and internet system to help motorists navigate New Jersey’s roadways, reduce commuting times and minimize congestion. The system has proven popular with commuters across the state with steadily increasing usage. In fact, this summer has shown record numbers of motorists using both of the free traffic information resources.

In January 2009, 36,944 motorists accessed the phone system and 32,709 motorists accessed the www.nj511.info web site. Fast forwarding a few months we can see how each service has grown as motorists take advantage of the benefits they provide. In July 2009, 132,398 motorists accessed the phone system and 54,272 motorists accessed the web site, which is the highest number of website visitors to date. In August 2009 we recorded the highest volume of motorists to access the phone system, 147,061, as well as 53,465 more who accessed the web site.

Motorists are dialing 511 and visiting the Google Maps-based www.nj511.info for real time, voice activated traffic, weather, special events and construction and accident related roadway conditions on state highways, interstate highways, the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. The system provides real time information seven days a week, 365 days a year through NJDOT partnerships with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTP), South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), and the Statewide Traffic Management Center.

The system provides data from a variety of sources including local law enforcement agencies and fire departments, the Department’s Emergency Service Patrol and traffic monitoring devices such as travel time sensors and traffic cameras.

Motorists can ask for roadway conditions by highway, city, hotspot as well as bridge crossings into New York City and Philadelphia. Using a cell phone or texting while driving is a primary offense in New Jersey, therefore, NJDOT recommends that motorists call or visit the web site before leaving home or work or use a hands-free device.

Below are the “top ten” most requested cities, hotspots, bridges or tunnels as well as highways for the month of August.