Crofton MD residents will enjoy the new 511 traffic and information service that was launched today in Maryland. Now you can check for traffic delays due to accidents and construction before you pull out of your driveway. And it will be a lot easier to give your kids an accurate answer when they ask "How long 'til we get to the beach?"
Just dial "511"on your phone for traffic updates, road conditions, public transportation, weather forecast, driving time, reach the beach info, airports, easy-pass, tourism, tolls, etc. The system is highly interactive, and listens to your verbal responses regarding your choices.
Why don't you give this a test run before you actually need it in a big traffic jam?
511 on the Internet is even better, with it's "view at a glance" list of traffic episodes. An interactive map is available if you prefer that format over a list. You can choose from Statewide, the Eastern Shore, Baltimore/Northern Maryland, Capital Region/Southern Maryland, and Reach the Beach/Eastern Shore.
I chose to register for updates, which allows me to specify several frequently-traveled routes for easy access the next time I visit the site. When I drive to Northern Virginia again to visit one of my children, I'll know for sure whether to take New York Ave to I-395 or to go via the Southwest/Southwest Freeway and South Capitol Street. Until now, it's been a matter of luck whether I made the right choice.
Neighboring states that offer 511 services include Pennsylvania, D.C., Virginia, Delaware, and West Virginia. Planning a trip south to Florida or north to Philly or New York? No problem, because now you can check out I-95 Travel before you leave home or while you're en route.
Now all they need is an application for iPhone, iPad and Android to make it even easier for Crofton residents to reach their destinations. I'm guessing someone is working on that at this very moment.
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