Service Authority For Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) / 511 - 1980

To maintain and upgrade a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) call box program in Merced County; also, to participate in a San Joaquin Valley plan to establish 511 call service for travelers.

Call Box Program:

The Merced County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) was organized January 19, 1995. The revenue to complete and maintain the system is derived from the $1.00 per year fee per vehicle registered in the county. The system is envisioned to eventually consist of 130 call boxes installed on Interstate 5 and State Routes 99, 152 and 140.

The Merced County SAFE has budgeted its resources to implement a motorist aid system of call boxes installed at the prescribed spacing requirements of the existing CHP/Caltrans Call Box and Motorist Aid Guidelines on all freeways and expressways in the region.

511 Program:

In 2008/09, MCAG joined with other San Joaquin Valley Councils of Government (COGs) to participate in Sacramento County’s already established 511 program. Visitors receive minimal information on this system, limited to traffic problems on highways.

For 2009/10, the SJV COGs are studying expansion of the system to include weather conditions. In the future, it is hoped that 511 will also include news of nearby events for the traveler.

• In 1998/99, a Call Box Implementation Plan was adopted by the MCAG Governing Board.
• In 1999/00, Phase I was constructed, consisting of 70 call boxes along Hwy 152 and Interstate 5 on the west side of the County.
• In 2000/01, Phase II was constructed, consisting of 18 call boxes along Hwy 99 from Livingston to the Stanislaus County line.
• In 2005-07, All call boxes were replaced to fulfill “hearing impaired” requirements and upgraded to digital service.
• In 2008, 10 additional call boxes and/or mobile call box ability will be installed as SR99 is converted to a 6-lane freeway consistent with the adopted plan. Additional call boxes and/or mobile call boxes will be installed at sites identified as necessary by the local CHP. This has not been completed yet since the freeway project is not completed.

Budget and Overall Work Program (OWP)