Traffic Cameras In Montana: Are They Watching?

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) operates a Road Weather Information System (RWIS) that includes cameras at 73 sites across the state. These cameras provide real-time weather information and allow MDT to schedule maintenance and respond to hazardous conditions. While MDT does have cameras, it does not record traffic camera footage. In addition to RWIS cameras, there are also other Montana cameras that may or may not include traffic cameras.

Montana's Road Weather Information System (RWIS)

The real-time information provided by RWIS includes atmospheric data such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation type and rate, and visibility distance. It also includes pavement data like pavement temperature, freezing point, and pavement condition, as well as water level data from streams, rivers, lakes, and tide levels near roads.

This comprehensive and up-to-date information enables the Montana Department of Transportation's (MDT) Maintenance Division to make informed decisions. They can efficiently schedule personnel and equipment based on current weather and pavement conditions. The availability of real-time weather information improves response times, enhances winter maintenance efficiency, and, most importantly, minimises the risk of hazardous weather-related conditions for travellers.

The RWIS data is also accessible to the public through various channels. Travellers can access statewide road condition information by calling 511 within Montana or 800-226-7623 from outside the state. Additionally, the MT 511 App for iPhone and Android provides users with valuable travel information. It is important to note that while the system provides camera images, they may appear black at night due to a lack of illumination.

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has a network of cameras across the state that provide real-time information on road conditions, weather, and traffic. These cameras are part of the Road Weather Information System (RWIS) and are strategically placed to capture accurate and up-to-date data. There are 73 RWIS sites across Montana, and the system provides information through standard communication tools such as phone lines and computer networks.

The MDT's camera network includes both RWIS cameras and other Montana cameras. While the RWIS cameras focus on road weather conditions, the other Montana cameras may capture traffic and road conditions more generally. The MDT also provides a list of rest areas in Montana and their amenities, as well as information on chain laws, studded winter tire restrictions, and other transportation-related topics.

The MDT's website offers a comprehensive view of traveler information, including road conditions, incidents, road work, restrictions, rest areas, cameras, message signs, and weather. This information is also accessible through the 511MT web application and mobile app for iPhone and Android. The MDT encourages users to contact them with any questions or comments about the website or app through their website form or by calling 406-444-6200 during business hours.

It is important to note that the MDT does not record traffic camera video. Additionally, due to a lack of illumination, camera images may appear black and road visibility may be limited during nighttime hours. The MDT's camera locations include JCT MT-19/US-191 MP 66.7, Bull Mountain Divide, I-15 Frontage MP 141.1, Yellowstone River Bridge, and various temporary project cameras. These cameras help the MDT's Maintenance Division schedule personnel and equipment based on current conditions, improving response time and maintenance efficiency.

Montana web cams

There are quite a few webcams in Montana, providing views of the state, specific places, and roads. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has cameras that cover most of the state. These are used to monitor road and weather conditions and are not recorded. The MDT website provides a map of these cameras.

Webcams in Montana include:

• Scenic views: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Bigfork, Big Sky, Billings, Bozeman, Eureka, Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake, Gardiner, Helena, Lewistown, Missoula, Red Lodge, Tamaracks Resort, White Sulphur Springs, and Woods Bay.
• Ski resorts: Great Divide, Showdown Ski Area, Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort, and Discovery Ski Area.
• Other: Yellowstone County Courthouse, Bozeman, Condon, Cooke City, Cut Bank, Fairfield, Great Falls, Hell’s Creek Cam at Fort Peck Lake, Miles City, and National Weather Service.

Montana traffic cameras

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) operates a network of traffic cameras across the state, known as the Road Weather Information System (RWIS). This system provides real-time weather information and road conditions to assist the MDT Maintenance Division in making informed decisions about personnel deployment and equipment allocation.

Montana's RWIS consists of 73 strategically located sites, providing accurate and up-to-date weather and road condition information. These cameras aid in improving response times to hazardous weather conditions and enhancing winter maintenance efficiency. The system is accessible to the public through the MDT website and a dedicated mobile app, MT 511, available for both iPhone and Android users.

It is important to note that the MDT does not record traffic camera video. The camera images are intended to provide real-time information on road and weather conditions. At night, due to a lack of illumination, the camera images will appear black, and the roadway will not be visible.

The MDT website provides detailed information about the RWIS, including a list of sites and a Google Map with camera locations. This allows users to access specific camera views and stay informed about road conditions before embarking on their journeys.

In addition to the RWIS cameras, the MDT website also mentions "other Montana cameras", suggesting that there may be additional traffic cameras in the state. However, specific details about these other cameras are not readily available on the MDT website or through a general web search.

Montana camera locations

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has 73 Road Weather Information System (RWIS) sites across the state. These sites provide real-time weather information and are located in strategic locations.

The MDT website provides a text list of sites and a Google Map with cameras. The following camera locations are listed on the MDT website:

• JCT MT-19/US-191 MP 66.7
• Bull Mountain Divide
• I-15 Frontage MP 141.1
• Yellowstone River Bridge
• I90 Yellowstone River Project Billings
• I90 Yellowstone River Project - Billings Montana
• Underpass Avenue - Billings

It's important to note that the MDT does not record traffic camera video, and camera images will appear black at night due to a lack of illumination.

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