WSDOT dam camera
The Washington State Department of Transportation project will build five miles of wider, safer and more reliable highway for east-west travelers on I-90. (WSDOT Flickr)

WSDOT to use speed camera on Snoqualmie Pass

BY Josh Kerns  on September 10, 2012 @ 7:21 am (Updated: 12:20 pm - 9/10/12 )

Beware skiers and Washington State football fans, the state Department of Transportation will soon enlist an automated camera to catch construction zone speeders on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass.

The new camera goes into effect beginning Monday, Sept. 17, in an attempt to slow drivers and improve safety.

"Hopefully we get people to slow down through that area. It's a 60 mile per hour work zone and we're noticing people are in the 70 - 75 mile per hour range," explained Alice Fiman, spokesperson with the WSDOT.

WSDOT says drivers through the five-mile-long work zone of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Keechelus Dam project, will see signs warning "Speed limit photo enforced."

"You will have plenty of notice that you'll be entering the area where the cameras are working," said Fiman.

A small sport utility vehicle parked near the highway will monitor speeds both eastbound and westbound and a camera will capture the rear license plates of speeding vehicles. Drivers could face a $137 citation.

It's part of a pilot program approved by the Washington State Legislature to improve safety in construction zones.

When winter weather hits and construction moves off the I-90 roadway, WSDOT will move the program to another location. In 2008 and 2009, the cameras were used in two work zones on I-5 south of Olympia, and they helped reduce speeds in both areas, according to WSDOT.

Washington State Patrol troopers will also continue traditional speed enforcement in the work zone. The fine for a speeding citation issued by a police officer can exceed $400.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (18)


  • Add A Comment

  • fartforce1 wrote...
    I hate Washington, and WSDOT!
    September 10, 2012 10:12 am
    Soon they will adding contruction zones everywhere, labeling entire freeways construction zones and not removing cameras when construction zones move.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dori monson fan wrote...
    WHEW! I can breathe a sigh of relief now!
    September 10, 2012 10:41 am
    I've been concerned all weekend trying to figure out how we are going to be able to pay for trina curry and her gold toofed lover to have baby number 9. This camera should generate enough revenue to keep her and her 8 kids clothed, diapered, and well fed. Hopefully we'll see this pilot program expand to all freeways and eventually side streets so lots more babies can be born to homeless mothers and funded through law breaking speeders. Great way to keep roads safe and baby mommas funded all at the same time! I HEART WSDOT!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • fartforce1 wrote...
    haha
    September 10, 2012 8:06 pm
    that's actually funny!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Moondoggie wrote...
    DM Fan
    September 10, 2012 11:02 am
    I sit here feeling so selfish for only worrying about myself and other drivers who will be tagged. Trina is the real hero here. She patiently waits for the state to take my money and then waits for the state to send it on to her. Why she hasn’t just demanded that I hand my money directly to her is beyond me. She must have the patience of Jobe. Again, bless you DM Fan for helping me see the error of my ways.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hpygolkyone wrote...
    My Two Cents...........
    September 10, 2012 11:17 am
    This would be one ticket I would be more than happy to waste my time in court fighting and also relish clogging the already bursting at the seams court system.

    So tell me judge how a camera with nobody holding it in their hands while in operation, is capable of giving you a correct reading on my speed?

    Since I have already had my day in court (where I told the truth and everyone else lied....and yes, I learned my lesson) on taking a right hand turn when one wasn't allowed on a red light.......everyone who skated out the doors of the court laughing just told the judge: "it wasn't me driving the car".

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mike_D34 wrote...
    F* Washington!!!
    September 10, 2012 11:33 am
    Enough of this. WSDOT go nanny somewhere else!!! This state puts up 3-5 miles of cones for a 20 ft project. They won't get a dime outta me. I'll fight the court and win.(there appears to be a technicality around not going on your record as a driving infraction.)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • teg wrote...
    This may cost the State money...and I hope it does!
    September 10, 2012 11:37 am
    They set up one of these vans in West Seattle and I got nabbed. But since they couldn't prove who was driving the car at the time because they were too lazy to pull me over, my wife got the ticket because the car is registered in her name. This was one easy ticket to contest as the law requires an officer to confirm the driver being accused of speeding with ID and citizens can not be forced to rat out their spouses.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • teg wrote...
    P.S.
    September 10, 2012 11:40 am
    The ticket was thrown out when contested, no questions asked...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    Another way to save a dime . . . .
    September 10, 2012 12:13 pm
    but spending a dollar? Big brother is watching you. Make sure you flip off the camera as you pass by.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • A_N_Other wrote...
    They have these in Europe...
    September 10, 2012 1:09 pm
    ... and they make money. However, they also have the law that says if you can't name (rat out) the person driving, then you're the one who is going to take the blame. So they win either way. Once WSDOT catch on they'll find a way to fill any constitutional loophole up. The camera's a better option anyway. Why? Because they warn you the trap is there! When was the last time an officer put a sign up a mile down the road to say he's just around the corner watching for you?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • cg5611 wrote...
    another fine example
    September 10, 2012 3:05 pm
    of the state needing to step in because self-centered, my time is oh so much more important and I need to get there RIGHT NOW ignorant jerks who will not slow down in a construction zone. I never needed a law to tell me to slow down in a work zone, neither did I need law to tell me to move over when a disable car, or one receiving a ticket is stopped on the shoulder. I am by no means a 'perfect' driver but common sense seems to guide me better than some jerks on the road.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • teg wrote...
    what an example citizen...
    September 10, 2012 3:12 pm
    As long as you are also following the law which says "Left lane for passing ONLY" and pull off the road when there are 5 or more cars behind you, the rest of us wont think you are also a jerk.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Alex Mason wrote...
    When has WAZGLUT been an extension of law enforcement.
    September 10, 2012 3:44 pm
    And besides, where are you getting all the money the state doesn't have for these elaborate construction projects?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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