Traffic Camera Locations In Des Moines: A Comprehensive Guide

Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, has a comprehensive network of traffic cameras in place to monitor the city's roads and intersections. These cameras are located at various points throughout the city, including major highways such as I-235, I-35, and I-80, as well as specific streets like Court Avenue and 3rd Street in the city centre. The full list of camera locations is extensive, with cameras positioned at specific intersections along these major roads, providing a detailed view of the city's traffic flow.

Traffic cameras on I-235

The cameras were temporarily deactivated in 2017 following a district court ruling that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) had the authority to order cities to remove traffic cameras. However, in April 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court sided with the cities of Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Muscatine, ruling that the DOT did not have the power to control the cameras without authorization from the Legislature.

The I-235 camera started issuing citations again beginning at 12:01 a.m. on June 25, 2024. Citations are issued when vehicles travel 11 mph over the posted 60 mph speed limit, with fines ranging from $65 to $80, depending on how fast drivers are travelling.

According to data from the Des Moines Police Department, there was a significant increase in speeding violations when the cameras were turned off. Between January 1 and April 25, 2017, there were 31,497 drivers travelling 71 mph or faster. When the cameras were turned off from January 1 to May 22, 2018, there were 122,594 instances of drivers speeding faster than 71 mph in the 60 mph zone.

The revenue from the traffic cameras contributes to the city's budget. Between the 2012 and 2017 budget years, citations from the city's nine cameras generated more than $20 million, with about 35% going to Gatso, the private company that operates the cameras.

Traffic cameras on I-35/80

Traffic cameras are placed in every major metropolitan area along the I-35 corridor. The cameras stream live video feeds to help commuters plan their routes by giving a quick look at the current traffic flow.

In Des Moines, Iowa, there are several traffic cameras on I-35/80. These include:

• I-35/80 @ Morningstar Dr
• I-35/80 @ NW Beaver Dr
• I-35/80 @ Merle Hay Rd
• I-35/80 @ Hickman
• I-35/80/235 @ NE Mixmaster

These cameras provide live footage of the traffic conditions on I-35/80, allowing drivers to check the traffic before starting their journey and plan their route accordingly. The cameras cover various intersections and roads along the I-35/80 corridor, providing a comprehensive view of the traffic situation in the area.

Traffic cameras on Court Ave

There are 10 traffic cameras on Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The cameras are located along Court Avenue, as well as in its alleys, crosswalks, and stairwells. The cameras provide live coverage to the Des Moines Police Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The public can also view a live feed of the traffic cameras on a new public website. The feed features two angles of Court Avenue: the southwest corner of 4th and Court and the northeast corner of 3rd and Court. The website address is http://dsmcourtave.eengineering.com/.

The camera system was installed by Electronic Engineering, a locally-owned company with corporate offices in Des Moines. The company installed the system for law enforcement use in March 2016 during the NCAA Basketball tournament. According to Electronic Engineering President Mark Clark, the cameras are meant to support the "overall security plan for the Court Avenue Entertainment District" and help maintain a "safe and vibrant" community.

The camera system was funded by the City of Des Moines, Polk County, Historic Court District, Operation Downtown, and multiple downtown hotels and housing developments.

Traffic cameras on I-80/35/235

Traffic cameras are an essential component of modern road systems, providing real-time data to assist drivers and traffic management centres. In Des Moines, Iowa, traffic cameras are strategically placed to monitor key intersections and stretches of roadways, including several locations on the I-80/35/235.

One of the critical locations for traffic cameras on the I-80/35/235 in Des Moines is the NE MixMaster interchange. This complex junction, where multiple highways converge, benefits from the presence of cameras that provide a bird's-eye view of the traffic flow. The cameras aid in managing congestion and responding promptly to any incidents or accidents that may occur at this busy interchange.

In addition to the NE MixMaster, traffic cameras are also positioned at various points along the I-80/35/235 corridor in Des Moines. These cameras capture footage of the highway at different elevations, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the traffic situation. For instance, the camera at I-80/35/235 @ NW Beaver Dr offers a vantage point from an elevation of 164 feet, while the camera at I-80/35/235 @ NE MixMaster operates at an elevation of 3868 feet.

The exact locations of traffic cameras on the I-80/35/235 in Des Moines, as provided by WeatherBug, are as follows:

• I-80/35/235 @ NE MixMaster
• I-35/80/235 @ NE Mixmaster
• I-35/80 @ Merle Hay Rd
• I-35/80 @ NW Beaver Dr
• I-35/80 @ Morningstar Dr
• I-235 @ University Ave
• I-235 @ Keosauqua Way
• 63rd St @ Walnut Creek

These cameras play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vehicles along this major transportation artery in Des Moines, Iowa.

Traffic cameras on I-35

Traffic cameras are an essential component of road safety and traffic management in Des Moines, Iowa. Here is an overview of the locations of traffic cameras on Interstate 35 (I-35) in the city:

I-35 Traffic Cameras in Des Moines:

I-35 is a major transportation artery traversing Des Moines, and it is equipped with an extensive network of traffic cameras to monitor vehicular flow and ensure road safety. Here is a detailed list of the locations of these cameras:

• I-35 at 1st Street in Ankeny: This camera is positioned at the intersection of I-35 and 1st Street in Ankeny, providing a clear view of the traffic flow in this area.
• I-35 at Adams Street: Located at the Adams Street intersection, this camera captures vehicular movement along I-35, aiding in traffic management and incident detection.
• I-35 at Ashworth Avenue: Mounted near Ashworth Avenue, this camera offers a strategic view of the I-35 corridor, helping authorities monitor traffic conditions and respond to potential incidents.
• I-35 at Co. Rd G50: Installed at the junction of I-35 and Co. Rd G50, this camera provides a comprehensive view of the traffic situation at this specific location.
• I-35 at Corporate Woods: Authorities can monitor traffic flow and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles along I-35 thanks to this camera, which is positioned near Corporate Woods.
• I-35 at Cumming Avenue: The camera installed at Cumming Avenue captures traffic patterns on I-35, providing valuable data for traffic analysis and management.
• I-35 at Fillmore Street: Located near Fillmore Street, this camera offers a strategic vantage point to observe and manage traffic flow along the I-35 corridor.
• I-35 at Grand: By capturing real-time traffic conditions at the Grand intersection, this camera assists in ensuring the efficient movement of vehicles along I-35.
• I-35 at Hoover Street: Mounted near Hoover Street, this camera provides a clear view of the I-35 roadway, helping authorities monitor traffic volume and identify potential congestion points.
• I-35 at IA 5: This camera, positioned at the IA 5 junction, captures traffic patterns and aids in ensuring smooth travel along I-35.
• I-35 at IA 92: Located near IA 92, this camera offers a comprehensive view of the traffic situation on I-35, helping authorities make informed decisions regarding traffic management.
• I-35 at Maffitt Lake Rd: The camera installed at Maffitt Lake Rd provides a visual feed of the traffic flow at this specific location along the I-35 route.
• I-35 at McKinley St: Mounted near McKinley St, this camera captures vehicular movement along I-35, providing essential data for traffic analysis and management.
• I-35 at Mills Civic: Authorities can effectively monitor and manage traffic flow at the Mills Civic intersection thanks to this camera, which offers a clear view of the I-35 roadway.
• I-35 at MM 94: This camera is positioned near mile marker 94 on I-35, providing a strategic vantage point to observe and manage traffic conditions along this stretch of the interstate.
• I-35 at MM 96.8: Located near mile marker 96.8, this camera captures traffic patterns and assists in ensuring the smooth and safe movement of vehicles along I-35.
• I-35 at NE 158 Ave: Mounted near NE 158 Ave, this camera offers a comprehensive view of the traffic situation at this specific location along the I-35 corridor.
• I-35 at NE 36th St: The camera installed near NE 36th St provides a visual feed of the traffic flow, aiding in traffic management and incident response.
• I-35 at NE MixMaster (North): This camera is positioned at the NE MixMaster interchange, capturing traffic patterns where I-35, I-80, and I-235 converge.

The presence of these traffic cameras on I-35 in Des Moines plays a crucial role in road safety, traffic management, and incident response. They provide authorities with real-time data and situational awareness, enabling them to make informed decisions and ensure the smooth and efficient flow of traffic along this major transportation artery.

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