Idaho revamps 511 traveler services site

The Idaho Transportation Department recently made changes to its 511 Idaho Traveler Services website, which is designed to improve a user’s experience in searching for current travel and highway information.

The free 511 app is available for download on iPhones. It can be located on the department’s 511 Travel Information page: 511.idaho.gov. This new app is also available to people via the app stores for Android as well as iPhone.

“We’ve updated and improved the quality of what we have been delivering for the past 10 years,” Tony Ernest, ITD's traveler services coordinator, said.

The 511 system has won awards for being one of the best systems in the U.S. This award was based on suggestions as well as input from the site’s users.

“Users may navigate to a specific place by typing in a city name or specific address,” Ernest said.

The main 511 page is based on Google Maps. It allows users to select various display layers for their convenience.

“You may also define a route by typing in beginning and end points, just like Google’s ‘Get Directions’ feature,” Ernest said. “It’s possible to view all travel conditions and construction along a selected route.”

The department anticipates positive reviews from its users and looks forward to further improving their experience on the site as well as the apps.