Hampton Roads Traffic Cameras

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where are the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) traffic cameras located in Hampton Roads and how many are there?

A. There are 196 cameras in Hampton Roads, mainly located along portions of Interstates 64, 264, 664 and all of Interstate 564. They can be viewed on Virginia 511.

Q. Who operates the cameras?

A. VDOT's Hampton Roads Traffic Operations Center operates and maintains all of the cameras. 

The center also provides the still camera images that update every 40-50 seconds. 

We partner with Pilotonline.com,  WAVY, WVEC and WTKR to broadcast the traffic camera images.

Q. I'm having trouble viewing the cameras while my friends are not. What am I doing wrong?

A. Sometimes unclear images can be due to screen size.  For best viewing results, be sure your computer display is set to 1024 x 768 pixels.

Q. Why are cameras sometimes not working for days at a time?

A. Hampton Roads cameras are monitored twice daily: In the morning (about 8 a.m.) and after lunch (between 1 and 3 p.m.).

All Internet service provider sites are checked, including all bridge-tunnel cameras and randomly selected cameras along each quadrant of area interstate coverage.

These reports are sent to the Traffic Operations Center maintenance and IT managers.

If cameras are not working properly, maintenance technicians will be assigned as a high priority.

Sometimes inclement weather, power problems and hardware replacement require additional time, materials and equipment.

Q. What if the cameras I depend on are not working?

A. VDOT makes real-time traffic information available using diverse methods.

Other communication sources for traffic information include:

• 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623)
• Overhead electronic message signs
• Virginia 511

Q. How can I tell which direction the cameras are pointing?

A. The cameras were placed along the interstate for traffic management purposes. The labeling of the cameras was intended for internal use. 

Now that images are popular among motorists, we are able to make a few changes to help identify which way you are looking.

The newest cameras indicate directional view. Some of the older cameras cannot be programmed the same as the newer ones.

On the new cameras for example, "East of Lynnhaven" identifies the physical camera location --  not its directional view.  

These cameras are a very important piece of a complex puzzle. 

Although you may not be able to immediately identify certain roadway segments, you may be able to identify roadway features. (ie. during afternoon rush hour, you can tell which direction traffic is moving on cameras off of I-64 by looking at the flow of traffic in the reversible HOV system.) 

Q. Who do I contact for more information?

A. Contact VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).