Wednesday, December 12, 2012

WV511: WV launches Traveler Information System for traffic info

The West Virginia Dept of Transportation launched a new information system to enable travelers on WV roads to get real-time traffic and road conditions information. There are several ways to access the WV511 system, including phone, computer, mobile app, and twitter feeds.

By dialing 511 from any landline or mobile phone, callers will receive traffic information, road conditions and weather forecasts in addition to transfers to the Department of Tourism and neighboring states' 511 systems. West Virginia 511 also is updated with public safety alerts, including AMBER and Silver alerts.

The WV511.org website provides an interactive map with the locations of traffic incidents, roadway construction, and weather advisories. The map also allows users to view traffic cameras from around the state in addition to showing the location of electronic roadway signs and their current messages.

The free WV 511 Drive Safe mobile app offers drivers audible, hands-free traffic alerts. The app is available for iPhone and Android devices and uses the phone's speaker and GPS location to provide audible travel advisories in the driver's vicinity.

For traffic updates via Twitter, WVDOT encourages travelers to follow WV 511 Twitter feeds for statewide, regional and roadway specific traffic updates:

  • @WV511
  • @WV511Metro
  • @WV511North
  • @WV511Central
  • @WV511East
  • @WV511South
  • @WVinterstate64
  • @WVinterstate68
  • @WVinterstate70
  • @WVinterstate77
  • @WVinterstate79
  • @WVinterstate81

Friday, December 07, 2012

US Supreme Court to hear Same Sex Marriage Case

The Supreme Court announced Friday it will consider whether California’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional and whether Congress may withhold federal benefits from legally married same-sex couples by defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. The court will hear arguments in the the end of March and the decision is expected by the end of June.