Elko-area motorists can now view current Interstate 80 and State Route 227 travel conditions on-line through the Nevada Department of Transportation’s new traffic cameras.

     Traffic cameras stationed along I-80 near the Carlin tunnels and Emigrant Summit, and a camera stationed at the SR 227 Lamoille Summit, provide nearly up-to-the-second views of travel conditions. To view, users simply log onto www.nevadadot.com and select “Traffic Cameras” under “Traveler Information.”

     “The cameras are an important way for drivers to make decisions based on road conditions,” NDOT Director Susan Martinovich explained. “Is there an incident blocking the roadway, or perhaps extreme weather conditions? Knowing that before driving allows motorists to plan appropriately, which makes for easier travel and safer roadways.”

     The cameras are also used to assist NDOT’s Elko traffic operations center. The traffic cameras are part of NDOT’s statewide network of Intelligent Transportation Systems, including freeway digital message signs, Highway Advisory Radio, freeway ramp meters and Las Vegas and Reno-area traffic cameras. The cameras do not record and, by Nevada law and Federal Highway Administration guidelines, cannot be used for traffic enforcement.

     Road conditions are also available through NDOT’s existing 511 Nevada Travel Info system. Motorists can log onto www.nvroads.com or dial 511 toll-free, 24 hours a day for automated road conditions, weather forecasts, scheduled event road closures and construction updates.  Out-of-state callers can dial 1-877-NV-ROADS to receive the same information.

     For safety, all users are reminded to view travel conditions before driving. Use of a handheld cellphone or similar device while driving is prohibited in Nevada.