Islanders and visitors will have access to the most up-to-date information on road conditions as part of a new 511 system, says Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey.
“The safety of the travelling public is a top priority for our government,” said the minister. “The new 511 system will help travelers make better informed decisions before heading out on the roads and help them reach their destinations safely.”
Travellers will be able to call 511 from anywhere in the province or visit an accompanying website to receive information on the winter conditions of the province’s highways. The website will be active this month while the phone component will be available early in the new year.
Travellers can select a particular highway or portion of a highway to find out whether the pavement has been reported as being clear, slushy, icy or snow-covered. The system also provides updated information on travel information for the Confederation Bridge, road closures and current weather information. The information will be updated periodically throughout the day.
In the summer, the system will be updated to provide information on any construction work taking place on the highways.
“I’m confident 511 will be an effective tool in providing drivers with the most current road conditions,” said the minister.