Phone System
Dial 511 (from anywhere in Wisconsin)
From outside Wisconsin, dial 866-511-9472 (toll-free)
The Wisconsin 511 system permits both Voice Recognition (speak a key word) and Touch Tone Mode.
Use the keypad to enter choices
- Voice Commands are shown in BOLD.
- The Touch Tone key/command is shown in the center column
| Say | Press | Action |
|---|---|---|
| “road reports” | 01 | Road Reports |
| “my custom routes” | 02 | |
| “report a road hazard” | 03 | Leave audio message to report a hazard |
| “leave feedback” | *3 | Leave audio feedback on the 511 WI system |
| “transfer to a nearby state’s 511” | 04 | Transfer to an adjoining state’s 511 system |
| “more choices” | 05 | List more options |
In voice recognition mode, you can also say the name of any highway (with direction) or a metro area to go directly to a road report for that highway or area:
- I-41 northbound
- Eau Claire
- US-63 south
- Green Bay
You may interrupt the system at most menus if you already know what your choice is. You do not need to wait until the end of a menu before making a selection.
There are also voice command and touch tone shortcuts that let you bypass the current menu and take specific actions:
| Say | Press | Action |
|---|---|---|
| “help” | * | Lists of all choices for the current menu |
| “main menu” | *6 | Returns to the Main Menu |
| “repeat” | 00 | Repeats the last menu |
| “stop”, “cancel”, “go back” | *2 | Halts the current menu and returns to the previous menu |
| “goodbye” | *4 | Ends the call |
| *8 | Switch from voice recognition to touch tone mode, or vice-versa |
Say “help” at any time to hear the options for the current menu. To return to a previous menu, say “go back.” To start your call over from the beginning, say “Main Menu.”
- Emergency alerts about major transportation problems
- Traffic conditions and travel times
- Work zones and construction reports
- Personalized point-to-point traffic routes via My Custom Routes
- Convenient transfers to:
- Public Transit
- Airports
- Park and Ride
- Rideshare
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- State Patrol non-emergency
Information on traffic conditions is constantly changing. Traffic incidents, road construction and maintenance reports, and speed data are updated within minutes of being provided by the relevant state agency.
The 511 WI traveler information phone system compliments radio and television broadcasts. With 511 WI, you can expect to receive more detailed, current, and route specific traffic information than is provided in short traffic news segments. Additionally, the 511 WI system provides the caller the opportunity to transfer to another state’s 511 system, public transit and other agencies such as State Patrol or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Incidents are any traffic event that disrupts the normal flow of traffic, including accidents, vehicle breakdowns, road debris, and similar. In extreme cases, incidents may require a roadway to be closed.
Yes. Delays can occur due to high traffic volume, bad weather conditions, construction, or special events such as sporting events, parades, or concerts.
The 511 WI phone system is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
511 WI does not charge for the call. Calling 511 WI from a landline telephone will cost the same as making a local call. If you use a mobile device, airtime and roaming charges may apply.
511 WI is available all across Wisconsin. Telephone service providers are responsible for routing 511 WI calls to the service. Contact your telephone company if you are unable to reach the 511 WI service.
Information in the 511 WI phone system and website are presented in English.
Use of a handheld mobile device while driving is dangerous. If you must contact 511 WI while driving, use a hands-free microphone while putting safety first.
The 511 WI phone service is an automated, interactive voice system driven by the user’s voice or touchtone keys. Voice recordings will give the latest information. There are options to transfer to specific transit providers or other agencies for additional information not offered directly through 511 WI.