Date:  Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Contact: Bronlea Mishler, WSDOT communications, 360-757-5947
Chris Damitio, WSDOT project engineer, 360-788-7400

LYNDEN – A new traffic camera is now available for drivers who travel SR 539 (Guide Meridian) south of Lynden.

The camera, located at the intersection of River Road, just north of the Nooksack River, looks south at SR 539. In addition to checking traffic conditions, viewers can also get a first-hand look at construction of the new Nooksack River bridge and the widening of the road.

The camera was installed this winter to highlight key construction areas along the SR 539 widening project. One key area is the new Nooksack River truss bridge.

“We don’t build a lot of truss bridges,” project engineer Chris Damitio said. “Concrete girder bridges are more common and cost-effective. But we needed a truss bridge in this location to avoid environmental impacts to the Nooksack River. And the camera will offer a unique window to watch the process of building a truss bridge.”

Crews plan to install another camera at the SR 539/SR 544 (Pole Road) intersection, where a roundabout will be built later this year.

Rather than purchasing new cameras, crews utilized spare or used equipment to get the cameras up and running.

Funding for the cameras is included in the SR 539 project cost.

Once the SR 539 widening project is complete, WSDOT will determine whether enough funding is available to keep the cameras running.

The new camera can be found by visiting www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/bellingham/SR539_RiverRd.htm.

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