Map: 4 traffic spy cams coming to Capitol Hill, 4 to Central District, Feds footing the bill

The Seattle Department of Transportation has provided a list of eight Capitol Hill-area locations where cameras will be installed as part of a citywide 'intelligent traffic system.' We reported previously on one of the new cameras being installed at Broadway and Roy . SDOT spokesperson Peg Nielsen also passed along info on where the money for the new system is coming from -- the Feds. Here are the details from Nielsen's e-mail to CHS:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)  is funding its current Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) installation with a Federal ITS grant (that is broken up into four contracts).  An ITS utilizes technology to improve traffic flow and provide roadway-related information to the users in order to improve safety; to improve travel time; and to reduce fuel consumption.

One of the devices in an ITS is CCTV or traffic cameras. The CCTV system is used for monitoring roadway conditions.  Currently, SDOT has about 55 CCTV’s throughout the city.  Up-to-the-minute still images can be found on our Traveler’s Information Web site / Map: http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/   SDOT plans to double the numbers of CCTVs to 110 by the end of March 2010.

By providing real time information, we anticipate people will make more informed decisions on how they will  commute to their destinations.  SDOT’s  Traffic Management Center  (TMC) Operators use the images to look out for incidents that are blocking roadways and inform travelers of these conditions via the traveler’s web site and dynamic message signs (overhead electronic signs).  The TMC  also uses  the ITS information to make operational changes to signalized intersections.

As part of the current ITS four-contract project, SDOT  is installing CCTV/Traffic cameras on, or near, Capitol Hill at these locations:

• 23rd Ave E and E Madison St
• E Madison and 16th Ave E
• Broadway and E Pike
• Broadway and E Roy
• 23rd Ave E and E Cherry
• 12th Ave S and Boren Ave S
• 14th Ave S and S Jackson
• 23rd Ave S and S Jackson

The cameras will be used to detect congestion and accidents and monitor roadway conditions, Nielsen told CHS previously. The system won't be activated until March 2010 with the cameras becoming available online for everybody to view in the "later phase" of the project, Nielsen said.