511 Information

Iowa 511 app for Android and iPhone

The Iowa DOT has a 511 smartphone application to meet the growing trend of information on mobile devices - "Iowa 511." The application works on smartphones and tablets that operate on the iPhone and Android platforms.

The Iowa 511 app provides statewide, real-time traffic information including:

• A zoomable, scrollable map-based display.
• Current traffic speeds and closed-circuit television (CCTV) traffic camera images in six metro areas (Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities, Sioux City and Waterloo/Cedar Falls).
• Electronic roadway sign messages.
• Real-time updates on road work, construction, commercial vehicle restrictions and road closures.

The Iowa 511 app reports information for interstates, U.S. routes and state highways in Iowa. It does not include information for county roads or city streets.

Remember, the primary responsibility of every driver is the safe operation of his/her vehicle. Iowa law prohibits individuals from using a handheld electronic communication device to write, send or read a text message while driving a motor vehicle.

Get the iPhone app

Get the Android app

Mobile website

The mobile website can be viewed from any Web-enabled phone or smartphone by going to www.511ia.org. You will automatically be redirected to the mobile version of the website. This is a primarily text-based version with images for cameras and electronic signs.

Full-feature website

The full-feature version of the 511 website is powered by a dynamic Google Map™. Use the map as you would any Google map and click on the icons for more information. Icons can be added or removed from the map by checking or unchecking the boxes in the legend.

"My Reports" personalizes your 511 experience by letting you see traffic reports that are relevant to the highways you travel most often. With "My Reports, you can view current traffic reports that affect the routes you travel; get driving directions and estimated travel time; save up to 20 routes for easy future reference; receive traffic alerts for saved routes via text and/or email.

Streamlined website

The streamlined version of the 511 website is powered by static Google maps and will work better for most low bandwidth Internet connections. This version does not have the "My Reports" capability. You can view winter road conditions (from Oct.15 through April 15), road reports, traffic speeds, truck restrictions, cameras and electronic signs on this website.

Cookies must be enabled to view certain features.

The 511 telephone service is an interactive, voice-activated traffic information system you can access by calling 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide).

Know before you go! Call 511 from home, work or other point of origin prior to departure. When used en route, motorists are urged to place their calls from a nearby rest area, fueling station or other appropriate stopping point along the way.

Iowa's 511/Traveler Information system has gone social. You can connect with 511 on Twitter and Facebook.

If you are a developer and would like access to the information on Iowa DOT's 511 website via an XML feed, please fill out an online form to request access. You can also get access to several other states' XML feeds at this location.