For Immediate Release:  Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Contact:  Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer, 605-773-3265

SDDOT Launches 511 Traveler Information App For iPhone

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Transportation has released a traveler information app for smart phones using the iPhone operating system. An app for Android phones was released earlier this year.

“The South Dakota 511 mobile application is one more way to help South Dakotans travel safely,” says Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist. “Travelers’ safety is our greatest concern, especially during the holiday season.”

The SDDOT 511 app provides the same information as SDDOT’s popular SafeTravelUSA website, but in a format compatible with mobile phones. Current information on road conditions, highway closures, travel advisories, construction projects and incidents affecting travel is available on all Interstate, and U.S. and state highways.

As users move through the highway network, the app displays their location on the state map. The map also shows the location of SDDOT’s roadside cameras and allows users to view images from more than 50 locations throughout South Dakota.

For the first time, National Weather Service warnings for severe weather are available. Specifically for commercial vehicle operators, both apps also provide information on detours and vehicle load and dimension restrictions.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation maintains a Twitter feed accessible through the mobile application's main menu. In addition, the mobile app links surrounding states' mobile applications and websites.

The app is free. Users can download it from the Apple iTunes store by searching for “SDDOT 511” or directly accessing the app at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sddot-511/id740828340?ls=1&mt=8. The Android app has the same functionality and can be downloaded from Google at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meridian.metsdot.

Travelers can now access road condition, construction and weather information by visiting the web at www.safetravelusa.com/sd, by dialing 511 from any phone or by using the Android or iPhone app on their smart phones and tablets.

Users can also subscribe to ClearPath511 email or text alerts for no-travel advisories, road closures and reopenings for the specific routes, days of the week and times of the day they need at www.safetravelusa.com/sd/cp511/‎.

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