ALBANY -- State officials have launched a traffic alert system that provides real-time information about delays on New York's highways.

The new system, called TransAlert, sends e-mail or cell-phone text messages to subscribers to let them know when there are significant travel disruptions, such as highway accidents or lane closures.

State Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn says users can customize the service to receive statewide alerts or narrow the service by county.

The service is free. The information is distributed through the state Emergency Management Office's electronic alert system, which officials say has more than 1.4 million subscribers.

Drivers can sign up for the traffic alerts at www.nyalert.gov.