Call 511 for Road Condition Information

Drivers in Nova Scotia now have a quick, simple way to get information on highway conditions thanks to the new 511 highway information system.

Anyone calling 511 on any phone in Nova Scotia will be connected to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal's bilingual road information line. By entering any highway number along their route, people can access up-to-the-minute road condition information on that road.

"Nova Scotia continues to be a leader in using technology to make highway driving safer," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott. "We're the first province in Canada to implement the 511 system."

Mr. Scott said the program has received great co-operation from all telephone service providers who are providing the 511 number free of charge.

"Because the province already has a computerized road reporting system we were able to jump on this system very quickly," he said. "Our online highway cameras get about half a million hits a week and I'm sure the 511 number will be an equally popular innovation."

New 511 signs are being placed at entry points to the province and along the 100-series highways.