NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation unveiled a new enhanced 511 travel information system on Monday.
     Motorists who dial 5-1-1 can now access information about rest areas, public transportation, airports, and tourism as well as the standard features such as incidents, construction projects and weather forecasts from the National Weather Service. 
     TN511 debuted in August 2006 and has provided information to more than 2.5 million callers. 
      “TN511 has always provided information on travel delays in the state.  With these enhancements people traveling in Tennessee now have even more information at their finger tips, such as information on public transit, tourism and local airports,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.
     Travelers can also access Amber Alerts, TDOT's Record-A-Comment phone line and 511 systems in neighboring states, such as Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina.
      “This is a much improved 511 system that is more user-friendly and more efficient at delivering information,” said TDOT Community Relations Director Judy Steele.  “Callers are now able to get traffic conditions for all interstates and state routes within a specific city without having to request each route individually.
     “We look forward to adding even more enhancements to the system in the coming months.”
      People may dial 511 from any land line phone or visit the Tennessee 511 Web site at http://www.tn511.com/ to access this information before leaving home.  TDOT is also on Twitter, for statewide information you can follow www.twitter.com/TN511. 
     For regional information follow one of the following: www.twitter.com/Knoxville511, www.twitter.com/Chattanooga511, www.twitter.com/Nashville511, www.twitter.com/Memphis511. 
     When travelers encounter traffic delays on the roadway they should always practice common sense safety precautions when using any of these services and avoid texting, tweeting or operating a cell phone when driving.
 

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