Gov. Paul Patton announced Nov. 27 the launch of a new number for Kentucky drivers to get updated reports on traffic, travel and weather information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls to the line are free, with the exception of roaming and airtime charges on wireless calls.

By dialing 5-1-1, cellular or landline telephone users will get up-to-date, location-specific road and weather information for interstates, parkways and other major routes in Kentucky. Over the next few years, information for other state-maintained roads is planned.

The state's 12 district Transportation Cabinet offices, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officers and employees in four regional operation centers will supply data to the system, which will be updated every five minutes.

Information cards on the new 5-1-1 system will be available in rest areas, welcome centers and on road signs throughout the state. The official 5-1-1 Web site, www.511.ky.gov, also provides traffic and travel information.