The Seattle Department of Transportation today launched the Traveler’s Information Web site, which provides real time information on traffic conditions for major arterial streets in Seattle as well as nearby highways.

The trip planner features color-coded roadways indicating traffic volumes as well as easily accessed images from city and state roadside cameras. It also displays information about traffic impacts from ongoing incidents or planned events, ensuring the public has all the necessary information to select the optimal route.

“Part of our ongoing investment in intelligent transportation systems, the Traveler’s Information Web site shows residents the fastest ways to get around,” said Mayor Greg Nickels in a statement. “With a few clicks on our Web site, motorists and commercial drivers can now select the best routes throughout the city.”

The Traveler’s Information Web site additionally features:

-An interactive Virtual Earth map that allows users to zoom in for
additional details;

-Roadside camera images that can be viewed merely by hovering over a
camera icon;

-Constantly updated incident and planned event information, mapped for
easy reference and with quick access to additional details; and

-Links to mass transit resources such as Metro Transit, Sound Transit
and the Seattle Streetcar.

The traffic volume information is gathered from measuring devices imbedded in the pavement of major arterial streets. The data is automatically translated into green, yellow, red and black lines displayed on the map to indicate the level of congestion.

Some traffic volume information is provided by Traffic.com sensors through a cooperative agreement with the city.