The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in the US is planning to bring 14 new traffic cameras and other travel information for state routes 539 and 9 online by the third quarter of 2014, as part of its aim to improve its real-time traffic information network.

Construction was scheduled to begin on 5 May, and is expected to conclude in the next few months. The cameras will be available shortly afterwards.

In April 2014, WSDOT awarded a $1.9m contract to Valley Electric Company to install six miles of fibre optic cable, 12 new traffic cameras, a weather station and an electronic message board along northbound Guide Meridian between Horton Road in Bellingham and Main Street in Lynden.

"From crashes and backups to bad weather, this equipment has been proven to be a good investment to help keep drivers safe and moving along our highway system".

The project also installs two new cameras near the Sumas border crossing on SR 9.

The message board, installed under the contract, will display border crossing information to help drivers make informed crossing choices.

Project engineer Chris Damitio said cameras and weather stations help provide accurate collision and weather information to emergency responders, the media and public.

"From crashes and backups to bad weather, this equipment has been proven to be a good investment to help keep drivers safe and moving along our highway system," Damitio said.

The total funding for the improvements on SR 539 and SR 9 is $2.8m.

Last year, WSDOT deployed 15 miles of fibre-optic line and 21 traffic cameras along Interstate 5 from the Samish Way in Bellingham to the Birch Bay-Lynden Road near Blaine, helping local drivers, as well as travellers who use the two easternmost border crossings in Whatcom County.

The majority of funding for both projects was financed by federal border infrastructure dollars.