Idaho Replaces 511 Trucking App With New One
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State transportation officials want to get the word out to thousands of truckers using the Idaho 511 Trucking app that they need to switch to a new 511 state travel system because the other doesn’t work now.
Since Jan. 23, truckers and other travelers in Idaho must use a new Idaho 511 public travel system that can be accessed by a phone call or website, or downloaded to a smartphone to learn about road conditions, traffic incidents, weather and tourism information via the phone.
The web address (511.idaho.gov) and telephone number 511 are the same, noted Idaho Transportation Department.
In the past, truckers had their own Idaho 511 Trucking app and other travelers used the old Idaho 511 system, but the new system offers trucking information settings that users can turn on and off.
Have you tried the new Idaho 511 app? If you still have the old one on your phone, you are missing out! Download the new version for the latest information on travel, road conditions, weather forecasts, and more!
Apple: https://t.co/XztvvMPCN9
Android: https://t.co/oHPVX3cTht... pic.twitter.com/E5Qp23ddRo — Idaho Transportation Department (@IdahoITD) January 25, 2023
By clicking on the Trucker Mode icon, drivers can see trucker information that they can select from: restrictions, truck ramps, weigh stations, road conditions, traffic speeds and road reports (closures, crashes, roadwork, special events, future roadwork, etc.).
The new system also offers the ability to select cameras located on roadways throughout the state to get views of roads and data about weather and visibility there.
Among the new features in the revamped system are two that truckers may find especially useful — travel oasis locations and border crossing information, noted Ellen Mattila, ITD spokesperson.
The border crossing feature provides information for each crossing from both the U.S. and Canadian sides.
“The oasis locations are a great addition for anyone on the road for long periods as it shows there are more places to stop than just rest areas. The border crossing feature is helpful for anyone traveling across Idaho’s border with Canada,” Mattila said, adding that other new features are seven-day weather forecasts and special event updates that may impact roads.
Distinct from rest areas, oasis locations (with a palm tree icon) show if areas have amenities such as restrooms, the mile marker location, hours of operation and nearest town.
For instance, one oasis is called I-84: Mr. Gas Travel Center near Jerome at mile marker 165 that is open 24/7 and has bathrooms. Another is the US-95B: Bonners Ferry Visitor Center near the Canadian border near the town of Bonners Ferry. It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (but hours can vary depending on staffing) and has restrooms, vending machines and a visitor center.
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ITD will spend $1.6 million to implement the new system (including funding five-year operation and maintenance costs) to replace the old system launched in 2006.
“On a practical level, one app is easier to maintain than two, and it is more user-friendly to have all features in one app. Users can turn on or off the Trucking Information settings. Because all features are available in one product, there was no need to develop a separate trucking app,” Mattila explained.
Although it is not mandatory, all users of the account (new and former) can create an account, save custom routes and sign up for notifications when their routes are impacted.
