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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph F. Markosek
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PennDOT to launch 511 system Friday
HARRISBURG, Sept. 2 – State Rep. Joseph F. Markosek announced that the state Department of Transportation on Friday, Sept. 4 will launch a free, 24-hour information system that provides traffic warning delays, weather forecasts, regional tourism information, and links to transit agencies and major airports.
Markosek, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said the service is available by calling 511 on cellular phones and landlines or through the Internet by visiting www.511PA.com. He urged travelers to pull over before dialing.
"This is an invaluable service for the people who travel our highways every day," said Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland. "It can help travelers avoid a range of traveling problems from highway backups to snow storms."
Markosek in February had introduced legislation (H.B. 586) that would have mandated the implementation of a 511 system. However, PennDOT was able to proceed without the legislation.
The 511PA system includes all Pennsylvania interstates and the turnpike, as well as major roads in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Information for the majority of this network includes incident reports such as crashes, construction and, starting in November, winter road conditions.
PennDOT will use traffic cameras and reports from local and state police to update the system. Crashes and delays caused by vehicle breakdowns may not be posted immediately on the system.
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