Welcome to 511 PA
Get started to discover new and exciting features!
Signing up with 511PA
- Creating an account is NOT mandatory on this website; however if you do, you’ll be able to personalize your experience and receive traffic alerts.
- Select ‘Sign Up’ from the menu options in the top right corner
- Enter your name, email, and create a password. Click ‘Sign Up' when done.
- You will get an email to verify your account, click the link that was sent to your email.
- Including a phone number will allow you to receive text alerts, you will receive an SMS (text) with your confirmation code. Note this is in addition to the email verification.
Creating & Saving a Customized Route
- Enter your start and end locations by typing the addresses into the address fields. Alternatively, you may also right click on the map. Once you have entered the route locations, click ‘Drive’
.
- Review the routes generated and select the one that suits you best.
- When done, enter a name for your route and click ‘Save’.
Creating an Alert for your Route
- Once your route is saved, you will be asked if you want to be notified of events on this route. Click ‘Create Route Notification’
- You will be redirected to the alert creation page. Enter the required information for your route, select a delivery option (email or SMS), and click ‘Save’.
- You will now be notified of any future events that affect your route.
Welcome to 511PA
Get started to discover new and exciting features!
Signing up with 511PA
- Select ‘Sign Up’ from the menu options in the top right corner
- Enter your name, email, and create a password. Click ‘Sign Up' when done.
- Verify your account by following the link that was sent to your email.
- If you registered with a phone number, you will also receive an SMS (text) with your confirmation code
Creating & Saving a Customized Route
- Enter your start and end locations by typing the addresses into the address fields. Alternatively, you may also right click on the map, select a location from the available options, and select whether the location will be the start or end of your trip. Once you have entered the route locations, click ‘Drive’
.
- Review the routes generated and select the one that suits you best.
- When done, enter a name for your route and click ‘Save’.
Creating an Alert for your Route
- In the Manage My Routes table, find the route that you previously saved that you would like to create an alert for and click ‘Create Alert’.
- You will be redirected to the alert creation page. Enter the required information for your route, select a delivery option (email or SMS), and click ‘Save’.
- You will now be notified of any future events that affect your route.
511PA Connect
What is 511PA Connect?
511PA Connect is an emergency communication tool provided by PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike which is designed to communicate with trapped travelers.
It facilitates direct communication between incident response teams and motorists stuck in traffic jams through automated phone calls or text messages.
By providing real-time insights into the occupants and locations of trapped vehicles, 511PA Connect enables emergency crews to optimize resource allocation effectively.
Unlike traditional mobile applications, 511PA Connect requires no prior download or action from motorists.
Activation of 511PA Connect occurs exclusively during prolonged emergency roadway closures expected to last four hours or more.
Upon activation, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) initiates a notification to all mobile devices within the affected area.
This notification furnishes impacted motorists with instructions on how to participate and stay informed throughout the duration of the incident.
Benefits to travelers
- Stay informed with official updates and the latest relevant information delivered in the traveler's preferred method (automated phone call, text message, or the website).
- Avoid the hassle of searching through social media postings to check information of the affected area.
- Consistent communication with travelers throughout the event reassures travelers that the agency is aware of them and their situation.
How 511PA Connect Works
- PEMA initiates a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message, akin to an Amber Alert, specifically geo-targeting individuals that are stuck in a congested line of trapped vehicles.
- Affected travelers are guided to the public website, where they can sign up for closure updates, provide their phone number, and additional details like vehicle type and occupants.
- Travelers affected by the situation choose their preferred method of receiving updates and safety information, be it through text messages or automated phone calls.
- Affected Travelers can also provide their cell phone location, enabling the incident response team to gain a clearer understanding of the backlog, trapped individuals, and their precise positions.
- No personal information is requested by the system and phone numbers are deleted once the incident concludes.
- Travelers within a tenth of a mile of the closure should receive the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message.
511PA Connect is a great traveler-communications tool which helps enhance agencies' situational awareness, this includes:
- Providing a clearer understanding of the number and whereabouts of trapped travelers.
- Improving insights into the types of vehicles affected and the number of passengers within each vehicle.