Courtesy SDOT
Ballard will be getting traffic cameras that the public can access on the Seattle Department of Transportation's Web site. This is the view from the camera on Aurora Avenue and Winona Avenue.

Traffic cameras coming to Ballard

By Robinson Newspapers Staff
11/24/2009

The Seattle Department of Transportation will nearly double the number of cameras providing real-time information to the city and the public by adding 57 traffic cameras this year.

“Crews are installing traffic cameras in Ballard, City Center, SODO and West Seattle this year, which will significantly address congestion when they come on-line,” Seattle Department of Transportation Director Grace Crunican said in a press release. “With more information available to our Traffic Management Center, we can immediately improve roadway conditions by remotely adjusting signal timing or bridge operations."

The public will be able to access information from these cameras at the Department of Transportation's online Traveler’s Information Map

These cameras are not to be confused with red light cameras installed at intersections to aid in ticketing.

The installation of these new closed-circuit television cameras, which will be operational by early 2010, is just one of many significant enhancements occurring this year to the city’s Intelligent Transportation System.

The system upgrades taking place now and into early 2010 will also increase the number of dynamic message signs from three to 14, add more fiber backbone connections between them and install wireless operation for some local intersections’ traffic detection.

The public will also see improvements in the Traveler’s Information Map, as it will soon be accessible via hand-held devices.

The newly installed equipment requires a testing phase once construction is complete and is expected to be in service by the spring of 2010.

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Comments

What's the point?

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 11:05.

I don't really understand the point of these cameras. I know what the city says they are for, but I think it needs to refocus its priorities. Get us some viable mass transit!

The accident rates will

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 13:53.

The accident rates will increase at these intersections, and they will illegally shorten yellow lights to make more money. You guys will have to vote it out!

Reasons to oppose photo radar:

http://www.meetup.com/camerafraud/messages/boards/thread/7496696

camerafraud.com

traffic cameras

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Wed, 11/25/2009 - 13:31.

There is nothing to vote on. The cameras are going in and will be in place as they are in multiple locations throughout the city. The cameras already installed have not increased accidents; it is not even logical to think that they would because most people are not even aware there are cameras in the areas. The traffic flow cameras have nothing to do with signal timing at all. You're thinking about the Redlight cameras, and the article specifically stated the new cameras should not confused with the Redlight cameras. The cameras serve as a method to view traffic flow and as a driver, of any kind of mode, it's helpful if there is a backup of some sort to avoid the areas. A citizen could look online at the traffic cameras and see if their route, whether by car or public transportation, is being impacted by any backups. You could then adjust your routes or times.

Why not just look at the positive side of things instead of always whining about transportation. The cameras will help not hinder. period!