Iowa 511: Traveler Information and Maps

 

Thank you for using Iowa’s 511 Travel Information phone service. The following tips will help you successfully navigate through the voice-activated phone menu system. 511 is an automated system and you will be listening to a computer-generated operator.

GETTING STARTED: Dial 511 (within Iowa) from your wireline or wireless phone. If you are calling from outside Iowa's coverage area or if your phone service provider does not yet participate in the 511 effort, you will need to dial "1-800-288-1047." This is a toll-free number.

WELCOME MESSAGE: Once you’re connected to 511 you will hear an introductory welcome message and music. The operator will prompt you with instructions on how to proceed. If you want to skip the introduction, say the name of any city when you hear the music to get a summary of urgent reports in that area.

HOW IT’S ORGANIZED: For your convenience, 511 organizes information into four main categories. Simply say, "go to menu" or press "0" on your phone’s keypad at any time during your call to hear this menu of options. Then, simply say the category you want.

• "Road weather" provides reports on winter driving conditions
   
• "Statewide summary" gives a summary of urgent reports statewide and also lets you hear routine reports on routes you choose.
   
• “Regional summary" lets you hear urgent and routine reports around a specific city that you select.
   
• “Comment on 511” to share your comments about the 511 service.
   
• “Help with 511” for instructions on how to use 511.
   
• "Highway traffic" offers reports about construction and other delays. (This menu option will be available beginning in the spring of 2003.)

DETAILED INFORMATION: 511 allows you to obtain travel information by city or highway name. If you select a city name, you will receive information related to that city, and/or nearby area. If you are unfamiliar with the area in which you are traveling, state the highway name of the route you are currently using or plan to use. For instance, say “Highway 30.”

CONFIRMATION OF YOUR SELECTIONS: Each time you make a selection the 511 operator will ask you, “Is that right, say yes or no,” to confirm your selection.

RETURN TO MAIN MENU: To return to main menu at any time during your call, simply state the phrase "main menu" and you will be taken to 511’s main menu where you can make a selection among the categories listed under the “How It’s Organized” tip.

GETTING HELP: Say "help" or press the * (star) key on you phone’s keypad at any time during your call for more instructions on how to use 511.

VOICE- OR KEYPAD-ACTIVATED: You can speak or use your phone’s keypad to make requests while using 511. For example, you can request reports for Highway 30 by saying, "Highway 30," or by dialing 30# on your keypad. The voice-activated feature uses advanced technology to interpret your responses. There are some instances when it cannot interpret the response based on the caller’s speech patterns. If the system is unable to interpret your command, it will ask that you enter your response as a number(s) on your keypad.

REPEAT INFORMATION: To repeat a report, say "go back" or "repeat that."

LACK OF RESPONSE: If you don't respond to the system operator or it doesn't understand you, you will be returned to the main menu.

WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK: Your feedback on this service is important. When you're done with your call, you can say "goodbye" or press *** (star button three times) to leave your comments.

USING YOUR WIRELESS PHONE: Information regarding road and traffic conditions can be a valuable tool for en route decision-making. Should I consider taking another route? Are road conditions deteriorating and is it time for me to find a safe place to wait for improved conditions? Motorist safety is the Iowa DOT’s number one priority. Therefore, the DOT encourages responsible use of your wireless phone. That means pulling off at a rest area, fueling station, restaurant or other location to make your call. (Parking on the shoulder of an interstate highway for non-emergency purposes is illegal in Iowa.)