Caltrans' highway information phone service expands nationwide

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced last week that its popular Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) telephone number--800/427-ROAD--is now available coast-to-coast.

For the first time, truckers, tourists and others calling outside of California can call ahead and obtain the latest information about traffic delays or highway closures due to major accidents, winter weather or work in construction zones.

"Customer service is important to Caltrans, and this upgrade in service will enable everyone to more efficiently plan their travel in California to minimize delays and maximize their quality time," said Caltrans Director Will Kempton. "We're here to get you there."

Truckers, especially, encounter serious problems with winter weather. Time spent waiting for snow or ice-covered highways to reopen counts against their driving hours. They can now call 800/427-ROAD while outside of California and efficiently schedule their down time until a highway reopens.

The toll-free CHIN number receives about 4.5 million calls annually from motorists seeking road information.

Anyone with Internet access also can receive the same up-to-the-minute highway conditions on the Caltrans webpage, www.dot.ca.gov.