Starting today, motorists will have a special phone line they can call for travel information.

The Department of Transportation officially launches the new 511 travel information system at 10:30 a.m. at the NDOT Galletti Way district office in Sparks.

A spokesman said the 511 system will provide instant, free road information, including winter conditions, construction and emergency information by phone.

Current weather reports will also be available through the 511 service.

The latest weather report is also available.

Motorists can dial 511 toll-free, 24 hours a day. Then all they have to do is select their state route number for automated road conditions, weather forecasts, scheduled event road closures and construction updates, as well as lane reductions when available. The system is hands-free, allowing drivers to use voice commands to get the information they need without the dangers of pushing cell phone numbers while driving.

Callers can also navigate the system through their phone keypad.

Those at home can also use the Internet to get travel information from the department Web site at NevadaDOT.com.