This month the Seattle Department of Transportation has made “real time” views from eight new traffic cameras around Ballard and Fremont, part of 38 new cameras citywide, 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 Department of Transportation traffic engineers are using the information to identify locations where they can make changes to improve traffic flow, according to a department press release.

There are also eight new electronic Dynamic Message Signs now operating on major arterials, including one at 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 61st Street, providing travel alerts to people already on the road.

By the end of August, the department will add a few more cameras, including one at 14th Avenue Northwest and Northwest Holman Road.

The views from the Seattle Department of Transportation traffic cameras are available on the Travelers Map on the department's Web site.

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.

New Ballard and Fremont Traffic Cameras:

• 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 85th Street
• 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 65th Street (east-west)
• 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest Leary Way
• 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest Market Street (east-west)
• 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest Market Street (north-south)
• 16th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 65th Street (north-south)
• Evanston Avenue North and North 36th Street
• Fremont Avenue North and North 36th Street