Province launches NL 511 service
Access to information now easier for travellers across Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador has joined the fray and added a 511 service similar to what is already being used in the three Maritime provinces.
“The new service will provide people with important highway safety information, such as where to expect highway construction in summer and where heavy snowfalls and strong winds may be creating dangerous driving conditions in winter,” Minister of Transportation and Works Steve Crocker said Thursday in announcing the 511 service.
“It will also provide easy access to highway camera images, weather updates, ferry information and upcoming highway construction."
Crocker said having this information available on smartphones will encourage everyone to use the app, use it wisely and drive responsibly.
“You can always check it before you leave the house, as we don’t want you doing so while driving,’’ he said.
“By doing so, you can make an informed decision before you start out on a journey.’’
The app is free and available in both Apple and Android formats.
It can be customized by users to meet their specific needs for services and regions, and can even supply the user with notifications for updates on highways, highway closures and when not to travel.
Some of the features include recently viewed highway cameras, and a map of the province showing a variety of colours based on driving conditions. As an example, if a winter storm is in progress, the highway could be displayed as blinking indicating reduced visibility.
After a request for tenders went out in mid-february and closing in March, the five-year; $685,000 contract was awarded to Telenium Inc., in April to provide the service. Telenium Inc. specializes in the integration of voice and web technologies. Telenium specializes in telecommunications that integrate telephone, computer and web technologies to serve its clients’ unique communication needs with one cost-effective and efficient solution.
In addition to the app, the website and 511 phone system, information will continue to be provided via the department’s Twitter account @TW¬¬_GOVNL.