The Florida Department of Transportation’s Florida 511 iPhone application is now available for free download on iTunes.

The Florida 511 Traveler Information System provides traffic information on all of Florida’s interstates, toll roads and many major metropolitan roadways. The application is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch in the iTunes App Store. The new application provides the same real-time traffic and travel time information as the 511 phone system and FL511.com.

The 511 application uses iPhone’s GPS tracking to provide users with traffic information within miles of their location. Users can set the application to provide information for a range of up to 200 miles from their location or receive traffic information based on their registered My Florida 511 custom routes. Travel time information also is available based on location and direction of travel.

The Florida 511 application offers traffic updates in three ways: an audible recording of incidents; on-screen list of incidents; and a map view displaying incidents.

“This is a great addition to Florida 511’s suite of traffic resources such as the toll-free phone call, FL511.com and My Florida 511 personalized services,” department  Secretary Ananth Prasad stated in a press release. “The app allows users to access traffic updates quickly and safely.”

The Florida 511 system is a safety resource from the department and all travelers are reminded to know the conditions on the road ahead by checking the app, making a toll-free call to 511 or visiting FL511.com before leaving to avoid distracted driving.

“If you’re on the road, have a passenger check 511 or pull off the road to call 511 or check the 511 app,” Sgt. Kim Montes, of the Florida Highway Patrol, said.

Users can still receive personalized Florida 511 updates by creating a My Florida 511 account. Registered users can hear information on their custom routes first when calling 511 and even receive traffic alerts via phone call, text message and/or email. My Florida 511 users can customize alerts based on time of day, day of the week and severity of incident.

The system also is updated during emergencies, such as a hurricane or wildfire, with information on lane closures, toll suspensions and more.