Interstate 95 is one of the most traveled highways in the state of Connecticut. In this activity, you'll examine traffic on this roadway through the Connecticut Department of Transportation's live traffic webcams.

Find the differences in vehicle types and traffic counts at different times of day. You'll have to come back at different times during the day to complete this mission.

Instructions

1. Print this page and use the tables below to record your observations.
2. Go to: www.conndot.ct.gov/cams/trafficcam.aspx
3. With your parent's help, find the exit you would take from I-95 to get to your home. Exits are listed on the left side of the traffic camera page.
4. Record the exit number in the tables provided.
5. Click on the link to the Northbound Traffic Camera at your exit (if your exit only has a southbound camera, click on the Northbound Camera at the next exit).
6. A live traffic picture will load in the image window. This live image refreshes every two minutes, but don't worry if you lose track during any given two-minute period. Just try again when the new image loads. Please note, if an accident has occurred, no image will appear. Focus only on the traffic on the side of the highway closest to the camera. That's the northbound flow.
7. For the first two minutes, count the number of cars as far as you can see.
8. For the next two minutes, count the number of SUVs as far as you can see.
9. For the next two minutes, count the number of buses as far as you can see.
10. For the next two minutes, count the number of trucks as far as you can see.
11. Click on the link to the Southbound Traffic Camera at your exit (if your exit only has a northbound camera, click on the Southbound Camera at the next exit). Focus only on the side of the highway closest to the camera -- that's the southbound flow.
12. For the first two minutes, count the number of cars as far as you can see.
13. For the next two minutes, count the number of SUVs as far as you can see.
14. For the next two minutes, count the number of buses as far as you can see.
15. For the next two minutes, count the number of trucks as far as you can see.

Northbound Traffic

Exit____________________

Exit____________________

Is it busier at some times than at others? When?

Are there more cars or buses?

Is traffic heavier in certain directions?

How many of the vehicles were SUVs?

Did anything about the traffic surprise you?