Illinois working on upgrading hot line for road conditions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Department of Transportation wants to replace its balky road conditions hot line with an updated and expanded one travelers can reach by calling 511.

The department has sought bids for the upgrade and hopes to land federal dollars to get it working in 2003, spokesman Mike Monseur said.

"The 511 system is like a 411 information system for travelers," Monseur said. "It's similar to the 800 number we have now, but it would be more universal because there's an effort to make it nationwide."

Under the new system, callers would dial 511 and either punch in a road number or speak it. The automated line would give the caller information about that road.

Monseur declined to discuss the cost of the upgrade, noting that the bidding process was under way.

"I think it costs us about a quarter-million dollars a year to operate our current 800 number," Monseur said.

Illinoisans can call (800) 452-IDOT to get road condition reports, but Monseur said the system is easily overloaded.

Thirteen districts nationwide -- either regions or whole states -- have 511 systems in place, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Illinois and 39 other states are seeking federal money for help setting them up.