COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Jane Nash is just one of the many drivers who say being stuck in traffic could be a thing of the past.
"I plan to use it," says Nash.
She’ll be using 511 on her cell phone.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation put this new traffic tool into action this month.
"We collect information using our intelligent transportation system which is our camera, message boards and such forth around the state,” says Todd Sheppard with SCDOT.
Drivers can then call the hotline before leaving home.
"For us as a Department of Transportation, it gains efficiency on our roadways," says Sheppard. "He says one less car stuck in traffic is one less they have to deal with to try to clear up."
The system provides traffic conditions on the interstate system and U.S. Highways. Also South Carolina highways such as 277.
Nash says she would love to be able to call on her cell phone and find out where all the congestion is and to avoid it and find different routes.
SCDOT worked with the Public Service Commission to make this tool available to wireless and landline customers: with AT&T, Sprint Nextel, Time Warner and others.
Drivers we talked with are thrilled about the new option.
"I especially think my wife will love it. Because she is a weather Chihuahua and she is also a traffic Chihuahua," says Richard Jennings.
"So many people will be able to take advantage of it because just about everybody has a cell phone," says Jane Nash.
Click here for more information and alerts.
You can also dial 1-877-511-4672 to get alerts.
Wireless phone charges for voice or text messages may apply.
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