Residents of the Stanwood/Camano area may have already noticed new signs along HWY 532 labeled "511 Travel Info". Stanwood Camano Fire and Rescue requested that the Washington State Department of Transportation post these signs so that area travelers are reminded that they can check on traffic conditions along HWY 532 at anytime. This program is designed to assist motorists in acquiring up to date road conditions, especially those that result from motor vehicle collisions.
Currently, Stanwood Camano Fire & Rescue's command officers have direct access to the Washington DOT's command center and advise them directly of any incidents that may affect traffic on HWY 532. This includes common events such as motor vehicle collisions and fires to flooding and bridge conditions. We understand the frustrations associated with traffic congestion and we have implemented this program to keep our residents informed of incidents that might affect the regular flow of traffic. With this information, residents who are familiar with the area might be able take local detours or maybe find out how long the congestion might last.
How does it work?
Dial 5-1-1 and say "traffic" to receive customized traffic information. Next say the road number, such as "532", and receive up-to-the-minute updates on the road segment you plan to use.
State-of-the-art speech recognition technology allows callers to verbally tell the system what they want, such as "traffic" or "mountain pass" information. The requested information is then "spoken" back to the user. Callers can use key words to quickly navigate the system to the specific road segment for the information sought.
What does 511 offer?
- Ease of use and convenience
- Real-time, accurate, quality road and traffic conditions
- Avoiding traffic congestion and road construction
- Information to help users make informed travel choices
What does it cost to call 511?
- Land line: free.
- Cell phone: counts against minutes, so it is "free" unless you exceed your allocation.
- Pay phone: must pay the local call rate. However, most pay phones do not work with 511. Use toll-free number 1-800-695-7623 (ROAD).
When is a touch-tone option going to be available?
A touch-tone option is now available. The option alleviates problems where background noise exists (such as a car).
Will WSDOT's existing 1-800 hotline still be accessible?
Yes. The existing 1-800-695-7623 (ROAD) traffic and mountain pass number will connect to the 511 system. This number is needed for callers who want to call the Washington State 511 system from outside the state, and for cell phone callers near the
Thank you, and have a safe commute!
Stanwood Camano Fire Department