511 Phone and Web Service General

Welcome to the newly enhanced SCDOT “Next Generation 511 Travel Information Service”! The SCDOT 511 system is designed to help travelers access information regarding road conditions, construction, and severe weather, via the Web or phone—24/7 to make their travels in South Carolina more enjoyable and safer.

SCDOT continually works to improve the 511 phone system’s performance based on citizen feedback and usage statistics. SCDOT will provide updates from time to time through press releases as improvements and enhancements are made to the system. Your suggestions and recommendation are valuable to this process.

What language does SC511 understand and speak?

The system is programmed to respond to English, while common accents will most likely be understood; the system may not recognize callers with very unusual speech patterns or some foreign accents.

What can I do when the system cannot recognize what I am saying?

If the system is having problems recognizing your voice, try the following: Speak as clear as possible

• Minimize background noise - including radios, open windows, air conditioning and other people talking. Speaking clearly and patiently will provide the best experience for callers.
• Use touch tone (DTMF) input at various stages of your voice dialogue if having difficulty interacting in voice mode.
• Ask for 'Help' to obtain specific help at each menu levels
• Go online to 511sc.org or download SCDOT's mobile app for Android or iPhone/Pad

How does the information available from 511 differ from the travel information I get on the radio and television?

With 511, you can expect to receive a great deal more route-specific information than you hear in a 30-second traffic news slot, and you will be able to access the information on demand, whenever you need it. Therefore, 511SC is another information source for travelers that complement radio and TV broadcasts. Beyond this, the 511SC system offers a broad range of information and many other services not covered by the media.

How does 511 differ from 911 and 311 phone services?

Here are the three-digit service numbers adopted by the telephone industry and the Federal Communications Commission:

211	Health & Human Services	Community information and referral services
311	Local Government Services	Non-emergency police and other government services
411	Directory Assistance	Fee-based telephone number inquiries
511	Travel and Transportation	Free. Available in many states
711	Telecom Relay Services	Allows people with hearing or speech impairments to communicate via a communications assistant
811	Excavation	"Know what's below. Call before you dig."
911	Emergency Services	Report police, fire or medical emergencies

Is there a charge for 511 service?

511 is free. The only thing you’ll have to pay for are any airtime or roaming charges (if applicable) charged by your wireless carrier.

How does 511 benefit travelers?

• 511 offers more detailed information with easier access for the traveler through phone, website, or smart phone application.
• 511 provides a consistent approach to delivering travel information across America
• Travelers can use 511 to make informed and safer travel choices
• Weather alerts can warn drivers about potentially dangerous storms in their area so they can take appropriate action

How often is the information updated?

Emergency road conditions and traffic information are updated as soon as our Local Offices learn of an incident or congestion problem. Other information, like upcoming construction projects is updated as soon as the SCDOT TMC’s are notified. This information is continually updated around the clock every 2-5 minutes depending upon the reporting systems in place.

What kind of information is available in South Carolina?

Just about anything you need when traveling through South Carolina. Automated, near real time information includes, route specific road conditions, construction, travel weather (both current and forecasted), information on Interstate, US highways , some state highways, access to other states 511 systems, Amber Alerts, Reach the Beach information, traffic conditions, and select emergency alerts.

Traffic - 511 gives you travel times and speed along your route and will also tell you if there is road construction or a traffic incident ahead

Travel Times on all interstates and select major arterial roadways (Myrtle Beach and the Beaufort area in South Carolina).

Weather information is provided by transportation weather meteorologists specializing in highway specific weather while watches and warming are provided directly by The National Weather Service. Visit noaa.gov.

Covered Highway Routes

• Business 85
• I-126
• I-185
• I-20
• I-26
• I-385
• I-526
• I-585
• I-77
• I-85
• I-95
• SC-170
• SC-22
• SC-277
• SC-31
• SC-544
• SC-802
• US-17
• US-21
• US-278
• US-501
• US-17 Myrtle Beach
• US-21 Business
• Bluffton Parkway

How do I use the SC511 System?

Simply dial 511 or the toll free number 1.877.511 INSC (4672). An automated voice response system attendant will prompt callers to choose from options such as Travel Information, City reports, Highway Patrol, Reach the Beach or 511 in neighboring states. Callers can respond verbally or by using the telephone's keypad.

When I call 511, the automated attendant ask me to a choose a segment, “What is a segment”?

A segment provides a report for a specific portion the requested route and in the direction of travel selected.

In order to obtain that report every highway in the 511 system is divided into segments of roadway. Every segment begins and ends at a major connection or urban points (Primary destinations or decision points for changing directions). Each segment is designed in length to be approximately 1 hour driving time at the normal posted speeds. Some are shorter due to high traffic areas and others maybe longer due to high rural miles.

When a User asks for a highway condition report by stating or inputting a mile marker number, the system will assign that User to the correct segment and direction for that mile marker. Therefore, generating a report for that specific route segment and direction requested.

Can TTYD users access the 511 system?

Hearing and speech-impaired callers will be able to access and use the entire system through the South Carolina Relay Service (available by dialing 711 - and asking the operator to dial the alternative toll-free number: 1-877-511-4672)

What if the system is busy when I call?

The system SCDOT uses has never provided a busy signal. If you get a busy signal you are more than likely experiencing an unusually high volume of calls for the local switch, so the best advice is simply to call back. If you are at home or work and have access to a computer and the Internet, you can always visit the 511SC website 511sc.org for current information. Or download SCDOT’s mobile app for Android or iPhone/Pad

Why do I not reach the 511SC system when I dial 511?

There are several reasons why you may not reach the 511SC system:

• Your telephone company currently does not provide access to 511. The SCDOT has diligently worked to provide 511 on all local land line and wireless phone services. We will continue to negotiate with the State's landline carriers in order to provide 511 access to everyone who uses a landline telephone.
• Certain office telephone systems cannot access this new three-digit code. If your office has its own Public Exchange (PBX) you may be required to dial a specific number for an outside line prior to dialing 511 or your carrier or pay phone provider does not offer 511, you may dial 1.877.511.4672 for direct access to 511SC.

I called 511 from my mobile phone but I got a neighboring state's system. What happened?

When you dial 511 near a state border, you may get connected to the other state depending on the location of the cell tower your phone has access for a connection to the wireless network.

How do I give my feedback on the SC511 service?

The best way to give feedback is to use the 511SC Contact Us section; on the SC511 website 511sc.org at the Main Menu or at any time during the call to the 511 IVR system will prompt you to leave a recorded message.

When will 511 service be available nationwide?

Three fourth of the states and metropolitan areas have 511 services. All states are working to facilitate deployments at the state and local level with a goal of nationwide availability.

511 WEB

What is “Reach the Beach” and how do I use it?

Reach the beach is an IVR, Webpage and Smartphone application used to access travel time reports for the following destinations: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Hilton Head. Or travel time reports for your route home.

When using an iPhone or Android Smartphone application, selecting an inland icon (palm tree) on the map, will display a list of destinations. Inland icons lead to beach destinations, and beach icons lead to inland destinations. Each destination has one or more routes available, along with the current travel time. Upon making a selection, the route will be highlighted on the map.

For 511SC webpage users, selecting the RTB icon displayed on the Driving Directions module opens a dropdown menu of beach locations. Select one and add your location to the origin ("Choose a starting place"). You will be given a couple of alternative directions that you can go. A visual representation will be shown on the map.

For even more accurate trip-planning, consider the following resources available to you:

IVR Phone System

Call for updates by simply dialing the number 511 on your phone.

Mobile Apps

For more information on the mobile apps, look here:

Android

iPhone

Please remember that the travel times displayed on this site are dynamic and subject to change; they should be used for estimation purposes only.

Do you record the traffic cameras? Can you send me a copy of the video that shows my accident?

No, we do not record any of the traffic cameras. We will not be able to provide any accident video.

Sometimes camera snapshots are several hours old. What's going on?

Occasionally, the system may be temporarily offline for maintenance or system upgrades. We try to keep these interruptions limited to off-peak hours only. During these times, camera snapshots may not update. We make every effort to post notices to our "Travel Alerts" section when there is scheduled maintenance.

511 Smartphone Applications

What devices does the app work on?

The app is for Android and iOS based smartphones. It also works on tablets running the Android and iOS operating systems however, Wi-Fi only tablets will have limited functionality due to having limited GPS capabilities.

What does the app do for me?

The app is designed to give you the same real time traffic information on incidents and construction that is provided on the website, delivered in an easy to read format on your mobile device.

Can I plan a route on the app?

No. SCDOT recognizes that there are many tools available in the market for trip planning.

Can I use the app while driving?

Texting while driving is illegal in South Carolina therefore, SCDOT does not recommend using the application while driving. It is highly recommended that the motorist pull over to access the information or have someone else in the vehicle access the app information.

Remember: Texting while driving is illegal in South Carolina therefore, operating the app may result in a traffic ticket!

What else is on the app?

You can also see SCDOT's network of traffic cameras on the app. SCDOT has also offered its new “Reach the Beach” program on the mobile app.

Again, do not do this while driving!

How do I sign up for text alerts and email alerts?

Alerts can be set up through the My SC511 login

How do I Modify My SC511 Alerts?

Once you are logged in, you can modify your Alerts using the "Edit" buttons. Select the Communication Option you want to edit (email or text messaging). You can also set up a method for receiving text messages. You'll need to confirm your device using the confirmation text message that you receive.

You can also delete or edit any of your schedules, delete your text messaging method, or add a new method.

You can also Edit your Preferences for the type of alerts you want to receive, such as incidents, construction, or weather.

Please note that you cannot delete or change your email, since it is tied to your actual account - but you can mark the email account as disabled. This will keep you from receiving notifications.

How do I stop My SC511 Alerts?

You can temporarily disable communication methods by clicking the "Edit" buttons and checking the box "Disable." Alternatively, if you want to unsubscribe from the service, you can also click the "Unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the MySC511 page.

Can I save a route and have 511 tell me what delays (planned road work and incidents) will be on my route?

Yes. Use the personalization under My SC511 to set up an account and program your routes. Not all roads have data associated with them, but interstates and major primary routes do.