WV officially launches 511 Traveler Information System - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

WV officially launches 511 Traveler Information System

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The key to a new West Virginia traveler information is "Know Before You Go".

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, D-W.Va., helped to launch the state's new 511 Traveler Information System on Wednesday morning.

The 511 system provides real-time traffic information. Anything from road congestion, severe weather, construction and more is available any time of the day or night.

During the news conference, Tomblin stressed the importance of having a statewide travel system to help responders and travelers, especially in situations like Tuesday's gas explosion. "We have now the communication systems where we can immediately, in yesterdays case, you know talk from Parkersburg back to Charleston or whatever, you know and let everyone know what's going on, so it's not only state police talking to state police, but state police talking to fire departments to local police to emergency officials and so forth, and that's one of the reasons yesterday went so smoothly," said Tomblin.

Motorists can receive updates by dialing 511, downloading the free 511 mobile app or visiting www.wv511.org.