carthumbEver wondered how to get out of a traffic jam on Central Expressway? DART may have an option – just don’t use your phone while you’re driving to take advantage of it.

DART will spend $8.3 million on a system that pulls together traffic information from other cities and transportation systems to help drivers figure out where traffic is worst. The transit authority says it could save Dallas residents $278 million on transportation costs over the next 10 years.

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The 511 system currently focuses on Central Expressway. Drivers can check the 511 website to plan their transportation routes for the day, says DART spokesman Mark Ball.

“This is a new approach by pulling together all of the information and putting it together on one website,” Ball says.

Users can also dial 511 for updates; not surprisingly, DART recommends using 511 before hitting the road. Drivers should not text while driving, Ball says.

A soft, unofficial version of the website will be available later this month for the public’s use.