Phone FAQs

Q. How do I access Alaska's 511 telephone?

  • In state, please dial 5-1-1(toll free)
  • Out-of-State, please dial (866)282-7577.

Q. How can I quickly get the information I need?

Check out the Help & Tips below!

Q. Can I call 511 from my mobile phone?

Yes. To emphasize safety, we recommend calling 511 before leaving home or while your vehicle is stopped. Never call 5-1-1 or text while driving.

Q. When calling 511, is this free or will it use my airtime minutes on my cell phone?

The service is provided free of charge to the public. But, cell phone users will pay for normal airtime and roaming charges according to their wireless service contracts.

Q. How does 511 get its information?

The winter driving condition reports and incidents due to natural disasters are entered by ADOT&PF maintenance personnel statewide. Construction reports come from both ADOT&PF construction personnel and local agencies such as the Municipality of Anchorage. Major accidents are generally entered by our partners, Alaska State Troopers. If they are unable to enter an event, ADOT&PF will provide the information as soon as possible. The 511 phone system also receives weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Q. What highways does the 511 telephone cover?

The DOT&PF provides winter driving conditions on major highways only, with the exception of the Anchorage Area, where they provide conditions on some of the major arterials. DOT&PF provides construction related events on major highways and local arterials. The Municipality of Anchorage provides local construction events for the Anchorage area.


It's important to note that the 511 telephone will only play events occurring on major highways. These and all other events are
available on the 511.alaska.gov.

Q. How current is the information?

Updates depend on the type of event. Generally, winter driving conditions are provided in the AM and updated again in the early afternoon. More updates occur if conditions change. During winter months, you should always check the National Weather Service reports before traveling. Construction events are updated weekly or more often if the information changes. Incidents or major accidents are updated as information is received.

Q. If I find an incorrect report, who do I call or email?

The Traveler Information website ( http://511.alaska.gov ) has a "Help" button in the menu bar above the map display. If visitors select the "Help" button, they have the option to select "Contact Us". Comments and feedback may be left through this contact mechanism. We welcome your comments.

Q. Where can I find information on Transit?

"Transit" is a menu option on the 511 telephone. You can request to transfer to a menu which will provide a listing of available transit agencies statewide. Transit information is also available on the website. In the menu bar above the map display, select "Other Info" and choose Transit. This offers high level information, web links, and telephone numbers to public transit agencies statewide.



Phone Tips
There are three ways you can quickly get traffic information on a covered highway. Alaska 511 allows you to request information through:
  • Voice commands
  • Touch-tone commands only
    		•
  • Both voice and touch-tone commands interchangeably
    		•
    Speak as clearly as possible and minimize any background noise - including radios, open windows, air conditioning and other people talking.
    Callers can skip the main menu prompts by interrupting the system and immediately asking for any of the main menu options in English or by naming a Highway (i.e., Parks Highway), a Public Transportation Agency (i.e., People Mover) or a call transfer (i.e., Yukon Traveler Information).
    Callers can request the following menus:
  • Highway Reports: When selecting this menu, the phone asks the caller to say or key in a highway name. Most highways are divided into "segments". This allows callers the option to listen to reports for a segment of highway or the entire route. For a list of phone "segments" please see: Understanding Phone Segments

  • Transit: When selecting this menu, callers may request a public transportation provider (i.e., People Mover) and the call will transfer to that agency.

  • Transfer my call: When selecting this menu, callers may request to have their call transferred to: National Weather Service Line; Canada Road Conditions; Alaska Marine Highway System; Alaska Railroad Passenger Services; Whittier Tunnel; and, Commercial Vehicle Customer Service.

    		•

       Say Goodbye or press *4 to end the call at any time.
       Say Main Menu or press *6 at any time to start over.
       Say Repeat or press *7 to repeat the last prompt played.
       Say Help or press * for instructions on how to best navigate the telephone.
       Say Go back to go back to the previous position.
       Say Start over to go back to the selected menu.

    Callers can interrupt the voice-activated menus at any time.
    Callers can switch to touch-tone mode by pressing *8 any time during their call. Callers can switch back to speech mode at any time by pressing *8 again.
    Check your cell phone signal strength when placing a call; weak reception may cause voice recognition problems
    It's important to note that the 511 telephone will only play events occurring on major highways. For events on these and other roads, please see our website, http://511.alaska.gov