On May 11, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) will mark 511GA Day, celebrating the free service that offers traffic and travel information to motorists in Georgia. This year’s theme, “Connecting Georgia, One Road at a Time,” emphasizes the role of travel updates and alerts in enhancing safety and connectivity across the state.
“For 18 years, 511GA has been the state’s leading source for real-time traffic and travel information,” stated Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. He highlighted the system’s growth and its contribution to ensuring safety for drivers within Georgia.
The 511GA system was introduced in 2007 and includes a phone service, mobile app, and website. Through these platforms, users can communicate with live operators to report incidents or request assistance from Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) or Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators. Additionally, users can access data on travel speeds, traffic incidents, construction events, lane closures, and severe weather conditions.
Powered by NaviGAtor—Georgia DOT’s advanced transportation management system—511GA provides access to over 3,700 traffic cameras throughout Georgia. Since its inception, more than 15 million calls have been answered by traffic operators using this system. The app has been downloaded by over 450,000 individuals.
For further insights into 511GA’s operations and benefits, interested parties can listen to Georgia DOT’s podcast episode titled “Getting the 411 on 511 Georgia,” featuring State Traffic Engineer Alan Davis and Assistant State Traffic Engineer Christina Barry with host Natalie Dale. Additional information is available on the department’s blog called The Extra Mile.
For immediate traffic assistance or information about road conditions in Georgia, motorists can dial 511 hands-free on their mobile phones or download the app from Apple or Google stores. The service is also accessible online at 511GA.org.
The Georgia Department of Transportation oversees planning, construction, and maintenance of state and federal highways as well as involvement in various transportation programs including bridge work and public transit initiatives. With nearly 4,000 employees dedicated to innovation in transportation systems focused on safety and sustainability, Georgia DOT aims to enhance the state’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation development.
