The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) new 511 traveler information number has handled more than 1.5 million calls since it officially launched seven months ago.

511 allows callers to quickly access current information about Colorado road and weather conditions, highway closures and detours, planned construction or maintenance activities, chain restrictions and Amber Alerts (missing or abducted children). Since Colorado officially launched 511 in November 2006, it has received 1,529,699 calls.

“We’re glad to see the new 511 service is catching on in Colorado,” says CDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Branch Manager Ken DePinto. “You can see the jump in the number of calls through the tough winter months. And Colorado was one of the top states as far as 511 usage during that time period. That tells me 511 is working and that’s good for the traveling public and we’re also playing a significant role nationwide .”

In December 2006, 3,331,449 calls were placed to 511 nationally, the first month to record more than 3 million calls. Just under 2.8 million calls were made in January 2007. By the end of February, more than 73 million calls had been placed to 511 since the system first launched in June 2001.

The new 511 is available via landline and where cellular service is available in Colorado. 511 is an addition to CDOT’s traveler information services, not a replacement for the long-standing (303) 639-1111 or (877) 315-ROAD traveler information lines. What 511 offers is one, easy to remember number. CDOT’s traveler information website also remains the same – www.cotrip.org

Colorado is one of 33 states or metropolitan areas currently with 511 service. It was designated in July 2000 after the U.S. Department of Transportation petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for a national traveler information phone number in the 1990s, since there were more than 300 different road and weather information lines in use across the nation.

“511 is fast and convenient and having it as an option is another important step for Colorado travelers,” added DePinto, “since an informed driver can make decisions that increases safety as well as avoid the frustration that goes along with unplanned delays.”