Seattle residents can access real time information from 38 new traffic cameras around the city in the US state of Washington on the internet to help make travel decisions.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is providing this facility to allow motorists to detect congestion, collisions and road conditions in the city.

SDOT traffic engineers are also expected to utilise the data to figure out locations where traffic flow can be improved.

Eight new electronic dynamic message signs (DMS) on major arterial streets and highways are also expected to give travel alerts to people already on the road.

SDOT said it will add more cameras and six DMS by the end of August this year.

Washington State Department of Transportation is also planning to add six traffic cameras and six DMS, owned and operated by SDOT, on State Route 99 by the end of 2010.