The California Department
of Transportation (Caltrans) announced
recently that its popular Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) telephone
number – 1-800-427-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. Tourists & Truckers can now call
1-800-427-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 web page:
www.dot.ca.gov.