New Cameras On I-15 Track Traffic Through High Desert

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has completed a $2.3 million project which provides seventy-nine Vehicle Detection Stations (VDS) along I-15 between Devore and the Nevada State Line.

The newly installed VDS's provide traffic speed and volume information for the entire segment. In addition, travel times will be displayed on the overhead Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to inform people how long their trip will take. Each station is equipped with a camera which posts a snapshot of the traffic conditions to the internet every few minutes.

The images give users information about weather- and traffic- related issues that may effect their travel between the Cajon Pass and the state line. The snapshots can be viewed on the IE511 website or the Caltrans Quickmap.

"The existing three Cajon Pass cameras are the most popular images that Caltrans posts on the internet," said Caltrans District 8 Director, Basem Muallem. "I am delighted that we are able to expand the coverage, so travelers can make informed decisions about their trips."

Information from the traffic sensors is also stored in a database, so traffic studies can be performed to plan future improvements. The camera images are used exclusively for traffic management, and not enforcement. The images are viewed in real-time and discarded, and not recorded.