Welcome to 511 PA
Get started to discover new and exciting features!
Signing up with 511PA
- Creating an account is NOT mandatory on this website; however if you do, you’ll be able to personalize your experience and receive traffic alerts.
- Select ‘Sign Up’ from the menu options in the top right corner
- You can now sign up with either your email or phone number.
- Enter your information and click Sign up button. Verify your account by clicking on the confirmation link that will be sent to your email or SMS.
Creating & Saving a Customized Route
- Enter your start and end locations by typing the addresses into the address fields. Alternatively, you may also right click on the map. Once you have entered the route locations, click ‘Drive’
.
- Review the routes generated and select the one that suits you best.
- When done, enter a name for your route and click ‘Save’.
Creating an Alert for your Route
- Once your route is saved, you will be asked if you want to be notified of events on this route. Click ‘Create Route Notification’
- You will be redirected to the alert creation page. Enter the required information for your route, select a delivery option (email or SMS), and click ‘Save’.
- You will now be notified of any future events that affect your route.
Welcome to 511PA
Get started to discover new and exciting features!
Signing up with 511PA
- Select ‘Sign Up’ from the menu options in the top right corner
- Enter your name, email, and create a password. Click ‘Sign Up' when done.
- Verify your account by following the link that was sent to your email.
- If you registered with a phone number, you will also receive an SMS (text) with your confirmation code
Creating & Saving a Customized Route
- Enter your start and end locations by typing the addresses into the address fields. Alternatively, you may also right click on the map, select a location from the available options, and select whether the location will be the start or end of your trip. Once you have entered the route locations, click ‘Drive’
.
- Review the routes generated and select the one that suits you best.
- When done, enter a name for your route and click ‘Save’.
Creating an Alert for your Route
- In the Manage My Routes table, find the route that you previously saved that you would like to create an alert for and click ‘Create Alert’.
- You will be redirected to the alert creation page. Enter the required information for your route, select a delivery option (email or SMS), and click ‘Save’.
- You will now be notified of any future events that affect your route.
FAQ
General
What is 511PA?
511PA is Pennsylvania's official travel information service which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. 511PA is designed to help motorists reach their destination in the most efficient manner when traveling in Pennsylvania.
What is the coverage area of 511PA?
Phone/Personal Alerts (Core Network)The 511PA core network covers all Interstates (including the Pennsylvania Turnpike) and select US and State Routes for roughly 2,900 miles of roadway. Traffic incidents, construction alerts, traffic speeds, and winter road conditions are reported on all roadways within the core network. For ease of use, the network is broken into eight geographical regions. Here is a complete list of roads covered as part of the 511PA core network.
Website (Extended Network)The 511PA extended network covers all PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike operated roadways for roughly 40,000 miles of roadway. Traffic incidents and construction alerts are reported on all roadways and traffic speeds are reported on approximately 15,000 miles of roadway.
Why aren’t other routes available under the 511 Core Network?
To ensure that only accurate and pertinent information is provided to travelers, PennDOT chose only roadways with reliable speed data, road condition reporting, and traffic cameras. However, PennDOT is constantly exploring the potential expansion of the core network as more reliable data is made available. In the meantime, to see information on statewide roadways, you can visit the Web map and website at www.511pa.com.
What types of services are available to the traveler on 511PA?
With 511PA, travelers can find such information such as:
- Traffic conditions;
- Traffic Speeds;
- Live traffic camera images;
- Highway construction updates;
- Winter road conditions;
- Weather conditions and alerts; and
- Links to other travel resources.
511PA will continually evolve, so look for other services in the future.
How does the information available from 511PA differ from other travel information sources?
511PA gives travelers statewide traffic coverage and does not just focus on the major markets (i.e. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). 511 is always there, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, so travelers don't have to wait for other traffic reports. The 511PA system provides personalized traffic information tailored specifically for each traveler. Users also have access to PennDOT Closed-Circuit TVs and weather information.
Where does the information originate?
In an effort to provide the most reliable information to travelers, 511PA does not update until PennDOT is able to verify that an incident is occurring either through its traffic camera network or through confirmed reports from state and local police. Crashes and other delays beyond PennDOT’s control, such as vehicle breakdowns, are not immediately available on the system and travelers may encounter traffic delays before that information is posted on 511PA. Other sources of information include the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the National Weather Service, and private traffic information services. EV charging station locations are provided by the Alternative Fuel Data Center.
How often is the information updated?
Information contained within the 511PA system is updated at various rates.
- Incidents – conditions are updated as soon as PennDOT is made aware of an incident that affects the road network.
- Construction – roadwork is reported before construction begins and is immediately updated when PennDOT is made aware of change in conditions.
- Traffic Speeds – all speeds are reported in near real time.
- Winter Road Conditions – plow truck drivers report observed conditions on regular intervals.
- Traffic Cameras – the “live” traffic images are updated every five seconds.
Is the information accurate?
PennDOT provides this information as a public service based upon reports collected from PennDOT staff and other sources. However, these reports are based on the information available at the time of publication and cannot be guaranteed as to accuracy or timeliness. Actual conditions may vary from those reported, though every effort is made to keep information comprehensive and current.
As weather and road conditions change rapidly, the information reported through 511PA should not be used as the only factor in determining your travel decisions. Motorists are cautioned to be alert to changing conditions and adjust their driving accordingly.
What is the service area for 511PA?
The 511PA system is available statewide.
How can I help make the system better?
The more the system is used, the better information we have to learn about what is important to travelers around Pennsylvania. Specific suggestions are welcome through the “online feedback form” found in the “Contact” section found at the bottom of every webpage or via the 511PA email 511pa@pa.gov.
How do I access 511PA?
Information is available through 511PA by dialing 5-1-1 from any phone or by visiting www.511PA.com on your computer or your mobile device.
Does 511PA utilize any form of social media?
Yes, you can also follow any of the 511PA regional X pages. 511PA tweets include news releases and traffic advisories, along with all traffic and construction events on the 511PA network in that region. You can access these regional pages from the X link on the 511PA Web page.
What if I want specific information on a state route?
While PennDOT is committed to customer satisfaction, there are specific questions that cannot be answered through 511. Specific inquiries such as the following should be directed to the PennDOT District Office in that region:
- Route suggestions;
- Specific road conditions;
- Alternate directions;
- Local traffic questions; and
- Regional traffic advisories for roadways not on the 511PA roadway network.
Users can access contact information for each PennDOT District Office through the PennDOT District Map. The map can be found on the website by clicking “travel conditions”, and then clicking “additional advisories”.
What if my question was not answered?
If you still have a question, users can reach PennDOT via the Contact Us page found at www.511pa.com/contact or email us at 511PA@pa.gov.
Web
How do I access special pages? How do I access historical holiday traffic videos?How do I access special pages?
Answer: During special events, like the Pennsylvania Farm show, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provides additional traffic information, such as parking locations and alternate routes. This information is intended to help travelers make informed decisions about how they want to travel to and from a special event, especially with unusual traffic patterns.
This additional information will be made available via a clickable button on the Pennsylvania 511 page:
By clicking on the button, users can access a map view of parking locations, event location, and route options:
How do I access historical holiday traffic videos?
During busy holiday times, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will provide access to historical traffic videos, to ensure that travelers can be informed. These videos will be made available as an image link on the top banner - Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving.
Clicking on the image link will take the user to a page with historical traffic trend maps:
Phone
How do I reach the Pennsylvania 511 phone system? Does 511 know where I am calling from? My cell phone does not have a Pennsylvania area code. Can I access Pennsylvania 511 and My Pennsylvania 511? How will I know what information to ask for when calling 511? How do I ask for information on a specific roadway? How do I access my routes when I call 511? Does the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation record phone calls to the 511 system? What can I do when the system cannot recognize what I am saying? I’m in a crowded space with a lot of background noise. Will the 511 phone system understand my requests? I have an Internet phone (Voice Over IP/VoIP). Will I be able to access My Pennsylvania 511? I want to call from my office but the system doesn't recognize me or gives me the wrong routes. What's going on?How do I reach the Pennsylvania 511 phone system?
Dial 511 from any cell or landline phone physically located within Pennsylvania. The call is free, although standard cell phone minutes may apply.
Does 511 know where I am calling from?
The 511 system recognizes when a caller is within Pennsylvania borders regardless of their cell phone area code. The phone system is not location aware, so you will need to request information by city, county or highway.
My cell phone does not have a Pennsylvania area code. Can I access Pennsylvania 511 and My Pennsylvania 511?
When you call 511 from a cell phone, the system identifies you by the location of the cell tower or switch which first picks up your call. If you are in Pennsylvania during your call, you will most likely be connected to Pennsylvania 511. If you're calling 511 from near a border with another state, you may get connected to the other state's 511 system. If this happens, simply request a transfer to Pennsylvania 511.
The My Pennsylvania 511 system then uses Caller ID technology to identify you and access your custom profiles. If you have not set up an account, you will simply be connected to 511. Not all cellular carriers provide Caller ID information from their customers. If your Caller ID information does not show up on another phone when you call, you will not be able to use My Pennsylvania 511. You can use the command ‘profiles’ and be prompted to enter the phone number associated with your account, and you can still use Pennsylvania 511.
How will I know what information to ask for when calling 511?
511 is a voice-activated and touch-tone phone system that will guide you through menu options. 511 will ask if you would like information on traffic or if you would like your call to be transferred to a partner agency.
How do I ask for information on a specific roadway?
When asking for information on a roadway, first request the roadway by name or number. Then ask for a city or county. For example, say "US 220," then "PA-164" to receive traffic information on 220 around PA-164. You can also ask for a city or country first, then ask about a specific roadway. Be sure to use the road’s identifier (interstate, state road, U.S.) before the number (ex: Interstate 76, US 220). Please use the road number and not the name.
How do I access my routes when I call 511?
If you included your phone number in your profile, when you call 511, Caller ID technology will recognize your phone number and access your routes. You will be prompted to say the name of the route for which you want traffic information. If you choose to create a custom-named route, you will have to assign it a name. My Pennsylvania 511 will recognize the pronunciation of the name in the most common North American English phonetics. Names should be entered in North American English using only standard letters (alphabetic) and spaces. The names are not case sensitive. You can access a list of your custom-named routes anytime when you call 511 by saying, "help." My Pennsylvania 511 will narrate a list of your saved routes. To make using the custom-named routes easier, listen to how My Pennsylvania 511 pronounces the names so you can speak the route name in a way the system with recognize them.
Does the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation record phone calls to the 511 system?
Like many other call centers, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation records all phone calls to the 511 system. These recordings allows the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to troubleshoot the system. By analyzing calls, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation can pinpoint potential issues and improve system functionality, such as voice recognition, to provide you with a better user experience.
What can I do when the system cannot recognize what I am saying?
When calling 511, you should reduce background noise like radios, open windows, air conditioner fans and other people talking. These actions can help the 511 system understand you better. You should also speak slowly and clearly.
Remember to be safe when you check 511. You can call 511, check the mobile application or visit https://511pa.com/ before leaving home or the office to check conditions on your planned route. Long-distance travelers can check 511 from a rest area, restaurant, gas station or other stop to avoid using a cell phone when driving. You can also ask a passenger to check 511 instead.
There are several steps you can take if you're having trouble making the 511 system understand you:
- Speak as clearly as possible
- Minimize background noise
- Check your cell phone signal strength when placing a call; weak reception may cause 511 to have problems understanding what you say.
- Ask for information using single commands instead of back-to-back commands.
- Wait for the system to finish speaking before using a command.
I'm calling 511 from my car using Bluetooth and the system does not understand me.
The 511 phone system is sensitive to background noise. Using any type of speaker system when calling 511 may interfere with the system’s voice recognition ability. If you would like to use the 511 system during your drive, we recommend that before your trip, you download the new 511 mobile application for Apple or Android. With the app’s new “Drive Mode” you can enter a destination, receive up to three routes and travel times plus see any incidents on your route. If an incident occurs on your route while you are driving, the app will audibly alert you of the incident. If you still would like to use the 511 phone system, we recommend calling 511 before you get on the road, having a passenger call for you or pulling over to call in a safe location. If you still would like to call 511 using a Bluetooth device, we recommend using a Bluetooth headset.
I’m in a crowded space with a lot of background noise. Will the 511 phone system understand my requests?
When calling the 511 system, it is important to reduce any background noise. Multiple voices may result in the system not recognizing your request. If you need to check 511 while you are in a loud space, we recommend visiting our website https://511pa.com/, downloading our free app or signing up for personalized services. With the new My Pennsylvania 511 personalized services you have the ability to create door to door routes and have the system send you a text message or email when a crash, congestion or closure comes up on your route. The notification will include your updated travel time. You can set up these alerts for any day or time of your choosing.
I have an Internet phone (Voice Over IP/VoIP). Will I be able to access My Pennsylvania 511?
Some Internet telephony (VoIP) providers are compatible with 511. The service uses the address you register with the provider (primarily used to identify your location for 911 or E911). When you call 511, your provider will route the call to 511.
Not all VoIP carriers are able to identify your registered location to 511 yet. Vonage is the first VoIP carrier to do so, and cable companies which provide VoIP (or digital phone) may also provide this service.
If you are able to access 511 in Pennsylvania from your VoIP phone, you will be able to use My Pennsylvania 511 from that phone as well. Since My Pennsylvania 511 recognizes you by your registered phone number, once you're connected to Pennsylvania 511, you will have the option to hear your customized routes first.
To see if your provider is compatible, dial 511 from your VoIP phone and see if it connects you to the statewide Pennsylvania 511 system. If it does, you will be able to access the My Pennsylvania 511 features from that phone. You can also contact your VoIP provider and ask if their service is compatible with 511.
If you cannot access 511 from you VoIP phone, please submit an email through the “Submit Feedback” form located on the website on the bottom right-hand corner.
I want to call from my office but the system doesn't recognize me or gives me the wrong routes. What's going on?
Many offices use Private Branch Exchange (PBX) phone systems. Typically, when a call is placed from a phone on a PBX system, Caller ID registers the system's main phone number or the first available outside line instead of the direct phone number for the individual. Users who register a phone number on a PBX system may be unable to access My Pennsylvania 511, or may access the account of another user who registered the main number. Since two users cannot register the same primary or secondary phone numbers, co-workers should not register their office's main number as this could cause confusion. To test whether your office phone will work with My Pennsylvania 511, call your cell phone or another phone equipped with Caller ID and note what number appears on Caller ID. If it is your direct line, your office phone number should work with My Pennsylvania 511. If not, we recommend you not register your office phone and instead use a cell phone or home phone number. Some companies have their Caller ID permanently blocked. If your company is one of them, My Pennsylvania 511 will not recognize you when you call from your work phone due to the fact that Caller ID will show the call as either "unknown" or "restricted."