H008/13
For release - February 4, 2013
CALGARY — Improved, up-to-date road information is a click or phone call away, with the launch of the new 511 Alberta traveller information service.
“Albertans have told us they want fast, simple access to the information they need, and that’s exactly what 511 Alberta provides,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation. “511 Alberta will help you better plan your trips and make our highways safer, especially during the winter months.”
“Our government is pleased to have partnered with the province on the 511 Alberta traveller information service,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, federal Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women and Regional Minister for Northern Alberta. “This system will help travellers across Alberta by providing them with the most reliable road condition information available and encourage them to use alternate routes that are safer and less congested.”
Travellers will now have access to more than 100 highway cameras through the mobile-friendly website at www.511.alberta.ca. Interactive maps link to current information on highway conditions, weather information, construction updates, incident reports such as detours and closures, ferry crossing times, national/provincial parks information, and border crossing waiting times.
Similar information is available via phone by calling 5-1-1 toll-free within Alberta. For the first time, callers have the option of using touch tone or voice command to obtain information. A new Twitter feed, @511Alberta, will also provide timely updates.
The new service represents an initial investment of $314,000, of which half was provided by the Government of Canada through the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program.
511 Alberta replaces the current AMA Road Reports, which had been operated in various formats by the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) since 1927, using data supplied by the Alberta government.
“AMA and the Government of Alberta have enjoyed a proud history of working together to make our roads safer for Alberta families,” said Don Smitten, AMA president. “AMA supports the introduction of the 511 service and we’ll continue to partner with the government to ensure our members and Albertans have access to timely and relevant traveller information. We look forward to continuing to work together to enhance the safety of travellers.”
Today’s launch represents the first phase of the 511 Alberta service. Future phases may include more features and information to respond to travellers’ evolving needs.
Note: Video footage of 511 Alberta is available at www.transportation.alberta.ca.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
Trent.Bancarz@gov.ab.ca
To call toll-free within Alberta, dial
310-0000.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.
