More Seattle Traffic Cameras are Now on Line


This month the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has made "real time" views from 38 new traffic cameras around the city available on the Internet to detect congestion and collisions and to monitor traffic and road conditions. The public is using information from the cameras to help make travel decisions, and SDOT traffic engineers are using the information to identify locations where they can make changes to improve traffic flow.

The views from the SDOT traffic cameras, as well as WSDOT cameras located within the city of Seattle, are available on the Travelers Map on SDOT's website, http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/ The Travelers site also indicates the level of congestion on major arterial streets and Seattle area state highways, and provides information on special events and construction likely to have significant impacts on traffic. A total of 19.7 million 'hits" (visits) were made to the Travelers website in 2009, evidence of its importance as source of travel information.

The NE 45th Street Viaduct will Close from June 14 – September 10


The NE 45th Street Viaduct's existing west approach is nearing the end of its structural life and needs to be replaced to maintain a safe and efficient travel corridor for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. SDOT will replace the 468-foot west approach during the University of Washington's summer session when traffic volumes are lighter. Between June 14 and September 10, the viaduct will be completely closed to all traffic, pedestrians and bicycles.

The NE 45th Street viaduct is a major thoroughfare in northeast Seattle. It connects I-5 and the University District to the Northeast Seattle neighborhoods, the University Village, the University of Washington's Husky Stadium, Seattle Children's Hospital, and businesses along Sand Point Way NE.

During the closure period this summer, traffic will be detoured to nearby major arterial streets including 25th NE and NE 65th Street to the north, and Montlake Boulevard NE and NE Pacific Street to the south. Please see the project Web site at www.seattle.gov/transportation/45th-bridge for specifics on detour routes and options to bike, bus and walk around the area.

SDOT will host an open house on June 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the University Heights Community Center (5031 University Way NE) to talk with neighbors about construction impacts and prepare the traveling public for the closure and detour.

To encourage busing, biking and walking during the closure, SDOT is providing incentives and information on local bus, bike and walking routes in the area. SDOT will also provide free bicycle lectures and workshop to promote biking on the Burke Gilman Trail, which will remain open during construction.

I-5 – Active Traffic Management
Tuesday, June 1 - the morning of Friday, June 4 - A single lane in various locations of northbound and southbound I-5 from Southcenter to James Street will close nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. For more info go to their wedsite.