What Does Blue Mean for Colorado Road Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the common questions on COtrip to help you better understand the new features.

COtrip Website & 511 Map

Where does the information/data come from?
What information does each layer show?
What types of Weather Alerts are imported from the National Weather Service?
What layers are available in Trucker Mode?
How do I sign up for travel alerts and a My COtrip account?

Using/Sharing CDOT Cameras

What do the titles of the cameras mean?
How do I save cameras to my favorites/highlights?
How do I share camera views and images online?
Who do I contact if a camera is not working?
How can I view a list of all cameras across Colorado?

COtrip App

Where can I download the app?
Do I have to enable my location for the app to work?
If I opted in to share my location, how do I disable and change my preferences?
How do I view event information?
What is My Favorites?
Can I customize the Notifications option?
What are Nearby Events?
What is List View?
How do I sign up for travel alerts and a My COtrip account in the app?
If I am having trouble with the app, how do I get help?
How do I call 511 in the app?
Are you tracking/sharing my information with anyone?

511 Phone System

What is 511?
How did 511 get started?
Is 511 available nationwide?
What areas in Colorado does the 511 service cover?
How can I access Colorado's 511 information?
How does the phone system know the location from which I am calling?
What type of information is available via 511?
How much does a call to 511 cost users?
What should I do if I have trouble using 511 from my landline or wireless phone?
What if I have trouble dialing 511 from my work phone?
How often is the information updated?
Where does the information come from?
When should you use 511 versus 911?
How is 511 different from radio and TV news?
Is it ok to use my mobile phone for 511 while I'm traveling?

COtrip Website & 511 Map

Where does the information/data come from?

The COtrip website is powered by a dynamic Google Map™ that uses real-time information from multiple sources across CDOT, including Maintenance & Operations, Freight & Permitting, Geographic Information System (GIS), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Communications, Project Management teams, and engineers, to name a few. If you notice any data that appears incorrect, please let us know by filling out our Feedback Form.

What information does each layer show?

Layers available include:

Traffic Incidents - Displays crashes and unplanned traffic incidents.
Road Conditions - Displays driving conditions reported by CDOT.
Traffic Speeds - Displays current traffic speeds powered by Google.
Waze Reports - Displays traffic information and reports from Waze users.
Cameras - Still images and live streaming video from cameras along roadways.
Construction - Displays current and planned construction activities.
Electronic Signs - Displays active electronic signs and safety messages.
Express Lanes (Tolls) - Displays toll locations and information on use and pricing.
Rest Areas & Welcome Centers - Displays location information and amenities available.
Mountain Passes - Locations of mountain passes, including grade and elevation.
Weather Radar - Displays a radar of current weather conditions powered by the National Weather Service.
Weather Stations - Displays weather stations located near roadways and current weather conditions.
Weather Alerts - Displays weather advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.
Plow Tracker - Displays location of CDOT snowplows and the routes they have plowed.
Trucker Mode - Resources specific to commercial motor vehicle operators.

Tip: The legend next to the layers toolbar explains what each option within the layer signifies.

What types of Weather Alerts are imported from the National Weather Service?

Blizzard Warning
Flash Flood Warning
Ice Storm Warning
High Wind Warning
Tornado Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Winter Storm Warning
Extreme Wind Warning
Dense Fog Advisory
Freezing Rain Advisory
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Snow Squall Warning
Avalanche Warning
Dust Storm Warning
Flood Warning
Freeze Warning
Hard Freeze Warning
Red Flag Warning
Dense Smoke Advisory
Tornado Watch

What layers are available in Trucker Mode?

The new Trucker Mode feature with resources specific to commercial motor vehicle operators, includes the following layers:

Construction - Displays current and planned construction activities.
Road Conditions - Displays driving conditions reported by CDOT.
Traffic Incidents - Displays crashes and unplanned closures.
Weather Alerts - Displays weather advisories, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.
Chain Laws - Displays current chain laws in effect for the current road conditions.
Chain Stations - Displays chain station locations available.
Mountain Passes - Displays route information on Colorado's mountain passes.
Oversize/Overweight Restrictions - Displays the restrictions on vehicle size and weight for the current road conditions.
Runaway Truck Ramps - Displays the location of truck ramps along mountain passes.
Truck Stops & Ports of Entry - Displays location information and amenities available.
Weigh Stations - Displays the weigh station locations available.

Tip: The legend next to the layers toolbar explains what each option within the layer signifies.

There are two ways to login in or sign up for your own COtrip account, which allows you to subscribe and manage your travel alerts.

Visit cotrip.org and login in or sign up under the My Travel Alerts section.
From the COtrip map, click on the My COtrip icon below in the main navigation bar. You will be prompted to login or sign up to create an account.
For more detailed instructions, please visit the How to create and manage a COtrip account help page

You can also save your favorite routes, cameras and places, and customize your travel preferences.

Using/Sharing CDOT Cameras

CDOT has hundreds of cameras along Colorado's state highways and interstates to better help our operators and maintenance crews keep our roads safe. Our cameras include both live streaming and still images that are owned and managed by not only the Colorado Department of Transportation, but also by several local and state agencies.

What do the titles of the cameras mean?

Camera names on COtrip are listed at the top of each camera. The cameras are named using the following conventions:

<Road Name>: <Mile point> <Direction of Travel>: <Location description>: <View type>
Example: US-40: 248.85 WB @ Berthoud Falls: Looking East

Berthoud Falls camera example

How do I save cameras to my favorites/highlights?

Save Your Favorites - Save your favorite camera views to your MyCOtrip account by clicking on the heart icon on the camera. In full-screen view, this is located in the bottom right corner of your screen. View instructions on how to do this on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Note: You must have a MyCOtrip account to save camera views. Sign up for a My COtrip account today!

Not favorited

Users can now easily share camera images via email or on Twitter and Facebook right from COtrip. To share, in the full screen camera view, click on the corresponding icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. You will be then redirected to either your email platform or the respective social media page channel to share the hyperlink to the camera on COtrip. Here, you can personalize your message or use the auto-generated information provided.

Sharing

Who do I contact if a camera is not working?

If a camera view is not visible on the COtrip.org, it may be currently undergoing maintenance or may not be operating at this time. To report a broken camera in your area, let us know using our feedback form here. We will respond in two to three business days to your request.

To give feedback or get help while using the COtrip app, click on 'More' in the menu, and select 'Contact'. If you would like to be contacted, please denote that in your submission.

How can I view a list of all cameras across Colorado?

Click on 'List View' in the main navigation menu and then select 'Camera List' to see a full list of cameras across Colorado. For instructions on how to navigate and use the camera List View feature, visit the help page here.

Camera List View

COtrip App

The COtrip app is available in the iOS App Store or in Google Play. Click on the link below to download to your device:

Get the iPhone app!
Get the iPhone app

Get the Android app

Can the Trip Planner share the directions with Apple Maps or Google Maps? Not at this time

Do I have to enable my location for the app to work?

For basic app functionality, you do not have to share your location. However, location sharing is required for certain features such as hearing about incidents on the road ahead when you're driving a searched route or seeing incidents near you.

iOS
- Go to Settings on your phone
- Tap Privacy
- Tap Location Services
- Find the COtrip app in the app list and tap on it
- Choose from the following location sharing options:
  - Never
  - Ask Next Time
  - While Using the App

How do I view event information?

Navigate using the map to find events or reports of interest.
Tap the event (e.g. , , ), road condition segment (e.g. ), or device icon (e.g. ).
The event details will open in a new window.

What is My Favorites?

In this section of the app, you can find a view of your favorite routes and cameras that you selected on the map.

Use this feature to save camera view(s) to your favorites list.

Via thumbnail camera view

Tap on the heart in the top-left corner of the thumbnail.
A pop-up will signify that the camera has been saved. It will now be available at the top of your favorites list.

Via enlarged camera view

Tap on a camera thumbnail to view an enlarged camera view (find cameras by activating the Roadside Cameras layers or by clicking on events with nearby cameras).
Tap on the heart in the bottom-right corner.
The heart icon will turn green to signify the camera has been saved. It will now be available at the top of your favorites list.

Favorite a place

Use this feature to save a place search (e.g. a city, address, or landmark) to your favorites.

Tap the search bar near the bottom of the screen.
You can change the search type by tapping on the tabs at the top of the screen.
Search for a place (e.g. Denver, CO)
Press Enter.
Once search results load, tap the favorite button.
A pop up will appear to select the following:
- A) A Display Name for the favorite place
- B) Enable SMS alerts (phone must be verified)
- C) Enable Email alerts (email must be verified)
- D) Schedule days and times to receive alerts
Once finished, tap Create Favorite
A pop-up will signify that the place has been saved. It will now be available at the top of your favorites list.

Favorite a route

Use this feature to save a custom route search (point A to B) to your favorites.

Tap the search bar near the bottom of the screen.
You can change the search type by tapping on the tabs at the top of the screen.
Type a city or address as the starting location. (e.g. Colorado Department of Transportation, 2829 W. Howard Pl. Denver, CO 80204)
Type a city or address as the ending location.
Press Enter.
Once search results load, tap the favorite button.
A pop up will appear to select the following:
- A) A Display Name for the favorite place
- B) Enable Email alerts (email must be verified)
- C) Enable SMS alerts (phone must be verified)
- D) Enable Travel Time alerts to receive daily notifications when traffic exceeds X minutes
- E) Schedule days and times to receive alerts
Once finished, click Create Favorite
A pop-up will signify that the place has been saved. It will now be available at the top of your favorites list.

Can I customize the Notifications option?

Not at this time. Notifications display active incidents or road closures in your area, based upon your location.

What are Nearby Events?

The Nearby Events option in the app menu displays active road incidents or construction events near your search area or location (only available if enabled). Click on each event for more information, to add to your favorites, share on social media or via email, or to provide feedback.

What is List View?

Click on 'More' in the menu and select the 'List View' to see a list of cameras and other information available on the new app.

Click on More in the menu and select the 'Your COtrip Account' option to login or sign up to your My COtrip account. Here, you will be able to manage your preferences and your account.

If I am having trouble with the app, how do I get help?

To get feedback or help using the COtrip app, click on 'More' in the menu, and select 'Contact'. If you would like to be contacted, please denote that in your submission.

How do I call 511 in the app?

Click on 'More' in the menu and select the 'Call 511' option to begin. Note: Data and message rates may apply. Where does the information/data come from? The COtrip app is powered by a dynamic Google Map™ that uses real-time information from multiple sources across CDOT, including Maintenance & Operations, Freight & Permitting, Geographic Information System (GIS), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Communications, Project Management teams and engineers, to name a few. If you notice any data that appears incorrect, please let us know by filling out our Feedback Form in the 'More' menu option.

Are you tracking/sharing my information with anyone?

No, CDOT does not track individual user data nor do we share it with any third-party companies. We do track feedback and information shared in our Contact and Feedback forms, and data shared via the App or Google Play Store (ie. Ratings and download usage). By enabling your location, this is only to ensure you are getting the most accurate information available based on your location.

511 Phone System

What is 511?

511 is an easy-to-remember traveler information telephone number. 511 will eventually replace and consolidate a variety of travel information telephone numbers around the country. 511 provides real-time updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures and other events that impact traffic via the phone or Internet.

How did 511 get started?

On March 8, 1999, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate a nationwide three-digit telephone number for traveler information. This petition was formally supported by 17 state DOTs, 32 transit operators, and 23 metropolitan planning organizations and local agencies. On July 21, 2000, the FCC designated 511 as the single travel information telephone number to be made available to states and local jurisdictions across the country.

Is 511 available nationwide?

The FCC ruling leaves nearly all implementation issues and schedules to state and local agencies and telecommunications carriers. There are no federal requirements; and there is no mandate for 511 implementation. While several states, highway corridors and cities already have 511 service, many states are still planning their 511 deployments. For more information on 511 deployments around the United States visit the 511 Deployment Coalition website https://www.deploy511.org.

What areas in Colorado does the 511 service cover?

511 is offered statewide in Colorado and covers interstates, U.S. routes and state highways. It does not include county roads or city streets. Eventually, this service may be expanded to other roadways.

How can I access Colorado's 511 information?

Information from Colorado's 511 system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via wireless, landline or pay phone by dialing 511 within Colorado, or any phone by dialing 800-288-1047 nationwide. Drivers are encouraged to put safety first by asking a passenger to call 511, calling or logging onto COtrip.org prior to departure, or placing the call at an appropriate stopping point along the way.

How does the phone system know the location from which I am calling?

The phone system identifies your telephone prefix when calling from a landline phone. It identifies the communications tower that your wireless phone is connected to at the time you place the call. In some cases, along state borders, Colorado's 511 may or may not work properly depending upon the cell tower location for that specific call. The 511 out-of-state phone number is 800-288-1047.

What type of information is available via 511?

Winter (typically October through April) road conditions are updated hourly or as information becomes available as conditions change. Please note: Road conditions may change rapidly between reporting periods and updates are posted as soon as information becomes available. A roadway with no update available does not mean that no weather conditions exist, but rather adverse driving conditions may be present and there are no new updates available at this time. In addition to winter road conditions, information regarding state road construction projects, maintenance activities, crashes, truck restrictions and detours are posted. Information will be updated as new work is started or completed, or travel conditions change. 511 is an evolving traveler information service. As additional resources become available, the system may be expanded to include information regarding transit routes, tourism and community events, emergency services, bridge embargos, etc.

How much does a call to 511 cost users?

511 is a public service of the telecommunications industry and the State of Colorado. Calls to 511 are considered local when dialed from a landline phone. Wireless users will pay normal airtime and roaming charges, according to their wireless service contracts. CDOT encourages motorists to pull off the road and park in a safe area before using wireless phones. Pay phone users are responsible for the local call fee.

What should I do if I have trouble using 511 from my landline or wireless phone?

Contact your phone carrier directly for assistance.

What if I have trouble dialing 511 from my work phone?

Many businesses have their own telephone systems. These systems switch calls between internal users and external telephone lines. These systems are called private branch exchanges (PBX). Most PBX systems require the user to dial a single-digit access code (typically an "8" or "9") to reach an outside line. For callers to dial 511 directly, a switch must be made in the company's phone system. Contact your supervisor or employer to find out if this switch has been made. Until the switch is made, you may call 511 after first dialing the required single digit access code.

How often is the information updated?

Updates are real-time (except winter road conditions, which are updated every two hours) and are updated as conditions change.

Where does the information come from?

A computer-based system known as CARS (Condition Acquisition and Reporting System) is working behind the scene processing the information that is entered by the CDOT. After that information is entered, it is routed to the 511 website and phone system where it is automatically converted from text to audio messages. Currently, winter road condition information is entered into CARS by the Iowa State Patrol, based on observations made by their officers as they travel throughout the state. Obviously, officers are not able to cover all designated routes at the same time. However, they continue to enter information as conditions change and they travel different roadways. CDOT will enter data into CARS about statewide road construction projects, maintenance activities, crashes, truck restrictions and detours.

When should you use 511 versus 911?

911 is used to report emergencies, the need for police or medical attention. 511 is a traveler information number.

How is 511 different from radio and TV news?

511 is another information source for travelers that complements radio and television broadcasts. It is coded to the specific routes the caller is interested in; that kind of user-specific information is not given over broadcast media.

Is it ok to use my mobile phone for 511 while I'm traveling?

The Colorado Department of Transportation's and Colorado State Patrol's number one priority is safety. Our programs and efforts are directed toward improving safety and saving lives. The preference is that motorists call 511 from home, work or other point of origin prior to their departure. When used en route, motorists are urged to place their calls from a nearby rest area, fueling station or other appropriate stopping point along the way. It is illegal to park your vehicle on the shoulder of an interstate highway in a nonemergency situation.

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Source: https://www.cotrip.org/help/section/frequently-asked-questions.html