ALBANY – The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has won two Best of New York awards from the Center for Digital Government – the Most Innovative Use of Social Media award and the Demonstrated Excellence in Project Management award – for the Department’s 511NY traffic conditions notification system.

"With the NY Works program making investments to repair thousands of miles of highway and hundreds of bridges, 511NY is a useful tool for drivers to avoid traffic delays," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "New York's Transportation Department has been leading the charge in rebuilding our state's infrastructure. My administration has focused on making government work effectively for the people, and these awards recognize the innovation and leadership of DOT in ensuring New Yorkers have access to the information they need to make smart driving decisions. I commend Commissioner McDonald and her entire team at DOT for their dedication and hard work."

The annual Best of New York awards recognizes New York’s top technology leaders and teams from state agencies and local governments for contributions, best practices and works of distinction in information technology.

Joan McDonald, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, said, "I am very pleased the Department has been honored by the Center for Digital Government. We have been working diligently to connect New Yorkers and out of state travelers with real-time traffic, transit and travel information. Our early advocacy for the use of social media by the Department reaches thousands of travelers in the online and mobile places they already frequent. All New Yorkers benefit from 511NY, which allows travelers to make smart choices and avoid congestion, which leads to more efficient travel and a decrease in fossil fuel consumption."

The Department and Todd Westhuis, Acting Director of NYSDOT’s Office of Traffic Safety and Mobility, were recognized at a ceremony hosted by the Center for Digital Government this week in Albany.

511NY is New York’s one-stop travel information service that informs drivers about traffic conditions across the state.