511 Marks One Year Anniversary

(Pierre) The State’s free 511 road reporting system passes its 1-year milestone today, just in time for another blast of wintry weather. The system was activated in South Dakota on November 21, 2002. Since that time it has helped thousands of travelers on the state’s highways.

"511 is a real improvement over the system we had in the past," says Dave Huft, Intelligent Transportation Systems Coordinator with the South Dakota Department of Transportation. "511 is an easy number to remember, much easier than the old #SAFE (pound S-A-F-E or pound 7233) number we used in the past. Callers can reach 511 from any wireless and landline phone system in South Dakota. We have improved the technology to give travelers more accurate information. On top of that, it doesn’t cost the caller a cent".

Road conditions are updated up to three times each day in an effort to give 511 callers the most up-to-date information as they plan their travel. Callers also get the latest weather report and forecast, including any winter weather advisories.

Since it began last year, 511 has logged more than 240,000 calls. The busiest days so far were February 14 with 5918 calls and February 15 with 6847 calls. The system was very active again during winter storms earlier this month with 5080 calls on November 3. The 511 system can handle nearly 200 calls at a time.

In addition to hearing road conditions, callers have an opportunity to leave feedback. Nancy from Montrose says "I just wanted to say thanks for the weather report. It really helps with knowing what’s out there. Thanks." Diane from Sioux Falls says "I do a lot of traveling between Rapid City and Sioux Falls and I think you guys are doing a great job. I really, really appreciate those comments on each section of the road." An unidentified caller said she heard about 511 on the news. "I was watching the news because of the storm and I got through right away. This is a great service and I told my mom to call it because she’s coming from Rapid City to Sioux Falls. She can hear and decide what she wants to do. Thank you very much for providing this service." Other callers have offered valuable suggestions for improving the 511 system.

In addition to South Dakota, 511 also covers highways in Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Travelers outside of South Dakota can reach the service by dialing the toll-free number 866-MYSD511 (866-697-3511).

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