Georgia 511 Eases Summer Travel Woes

Atlanta – As the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day means family vacations, weekend road trips and increased traffic on Georgia’s roadways.  The Georgia DOT urges summer travelers to be prepared by calling Georgia 511 for free traffic, travel and tourism information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The best way to avoid delays is to stay informed and plan ahead," Georgia DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham said.  "This is the first full summer our 511 system will be operational, and it is an excellent tool for those traveling through and to Georgia."

Georgia 511’s extensive menu is helpful for vacationing families, touring sports fans, rush hour commuters, and those just wanting to get around.  The service provides statewide traffic conditions, construction updates, and incident and weather reports. Estimated travel times are available within Metro Atlanta.  Additionally, 511 users can access major airports, Georgia tourism information, and 511 systems in neighboring states.

Callers connect to the system by simply dialing 5-1-1 from any landline or mobile phone.  An automated voice recognition system guides the service, but callers can reach live operators to report accidents, request HERO assistance or obtain additional travel details. Georgia 511 has a companion website at www.511ga.org  and a toll-free number for callers from outside the state, 1-877-MYGA511 (1-877-694-2511).

Also, to make traveling easier this holiday weekend, the Georgia DOT will suspend all lane closures on interstates and most major state routes from 9 p.m. Friday, May 23 through 5 am Tuesday, May 27.

In cooperation with state and local leaders, the Georgia DOT is committed to building and maintaining top-quality roads that meet mobility needs with environmental sensitivity.  For general information on the Georgia DOT please visit www.dot.ga.gov.