ST. PAUL, Minn. — Information about Minnesota highway construction, crashes and other road incidents is now just a swipe of your smart phone away with a new app from the state Department of Transportation.

Department officials say it can be an important tool for the growing number of smartphone owners who use the device to help plot driving routes. The app will help users estimate the driving time of their trips.

But agency officials are quick to caution that app users should consult 511 before they hit the road. In fact, prior to downloading the app all users will see a message that asks, "Be safe. Do you agree not to use this application while driving?"

The 511 mobile application is now available for free at the Apple store and the Google Play store.