RIGBY - The next time drivers want to view what road conditions are really like in eastern Idaho, they can log on to 511.idaho.gov. Then, see up-to-the-minute images of the actual roadways day or night.
Once on the 511 Travel Information site, select the "High Bandwidth" box and click the camera icon.
Motorists also may click the "Low Bandwidth" box. If using that option, click the "CAMERAS" link in the orange toolbar above the map and click the camera icons.
It's all courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), which has increased the number of Webcams (cameras that transmit images through the Internet) on highways in eastern Idaho.
ITD has added four new Webcams at:
- Telegraph Hill on U.S. 20 west of Idaho Falls (one in each direction of travel).
- The intersection of U.S. 20 and U.S. 26 (Idaho National Laboratory puzzle) (one in each direction of travel east, west and south).
- Antelope Flats on U.S. 26 east of Idaho Falls (one in each direction of travel).
- Sage Junction on Interstate 15 north of Idaho Falls (one facing south).
Webcams may include infrared technology, so images are visible at night as well as during the day. Images are updated every 15 minutes.
ITD has 133 Webcams located across the state.
In addition to displaying images of highways and prevailing conditions, the 511.idaho.gov Web site (known as the Idaho Traveler Services Web site) provides information on construction delays, road closures, mountain passes and trucking requirements.
Maintenance workers and motorists may access the Idaho Traveler Services Web site to determine specific driving conditions/requirements and learn of traffic problems.
Most Webcams are hooked up at Road Weather Information Stations (RWISs) along state highways. RWISs collect and electronically relay pavement data such as temperature, friction measurements, and depth of water, snow or ice on the roadway.
ITD's increase in the number of Webcams in eastern Idaho and throughout the state are part of an ongoing program to better inform the traveling public.