Date:
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Contact:
Corey Hert, WSDOT Assistant Traffic Engineer, 509.577.1994
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Region Communications Manager, 509.577.1617
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, 509.577.1618
SNOQUALMIE PASS– WSDOT has placed four new portable trailer mounted electronic signs and cameras along I-90 between Denny Creek (5 miles west of the summit) and Elk Heights (18 miles west of Ellensburg) to help traffic managers and travelers keep an eye on traffic. These cameras are placed in areas where back-ups and delays typically occur on weekends and holidays.
Having these camera images available on the Web allows WSDOT and the public to see if there are back-ups in these areas. “WSDOT will be able to provide more accurate travel information and travelers will be able to know ahead of time what to expect,” said Corey Hert, WSDOT Assistant Traffic Engineer for South Central Washington.
The new camera locations are: I-90 Denny Creek Road (milepost MP 47), I-90 Golf Course Road (milepost 77), I-90 Cle Elum (milepost 85), and Elk Heights (milepost 93). The camera images can be viewed at:
wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/cccam.aspx?cam=1100
WSDOT traffic cameras across the state feed information to our Traffic Management Centers (TMCs). WSDOT's seven Traffic Management Centers are located in Shoreline, Tacoma, Bellingham, Vancouver, Yakima, Wenatchee and Spokane. Current information is gathered at the TMCs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from many sources including 574 CCTV cameras. WSDOT uses this information to coordinate responses to clear accidents and notify the public and the media.
Also for your holiday travel planning purposes, see the estimated best times to travel at: wsdot.wa.gov/Congestion/IndependenceDay/
Drivers can now get current traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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