About Traffic Engineering
Traffic engineering is part of the Engineering Division and focuses on how people move through the City. This work includes managing transportation projects that support safe streets, efficient traffic flow, and pedestrian access, as well as reviewing development projects for traffic and access impacts. Traffic engineering also monitors street conditions to help plan and prioritize improvements that keep the City’s transportation system safe and reliable.
Live Traffic Camera
See real-time traffic at Coal Creek Parkway and Newcastle Way with the King County-operated live camera. Visit their Traffic Cameras page for more information or questions.
Traffic Safety
Traffic calming uses street design to slow vehicles and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Each street and neighborhood is different, and effective solutions depend on factors like speed limits, street shape and slope, traffic volume, sidewalks, nearby schools or parks, and existing signals. Construction costs are also considered to ensure solutions are practical and cost-effective. Requests for traffic calming can be submitted at Report an Issue.
Traffic enforcement takes a different approach by using laws and penalties to influence driver behavior. This can include tickets for speeding, running stop signs, or other unsafe driving. Unlike traffic calming, which changes the street itself, enforcement relies on rules and consequences to encourage safer driving. Requests for traffic enforcement can be submitted to the King County Sheriff’s Office or by calling the Police Non-Emergency number at 206-296-3311.
Traffic Data & Studies
Traffic data and studies help the City understand how streets are being used and where improvements may be needed. Speed and volume studies are conducted annually to measure traffic patterns, and the City uses this information to evaluate safety concerns, support traffic calming or signal decisions, plan future transportation projects, and assist with grant applications.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals in Newcastle are coordinated to keep traffic moving smoothly on major streets, especially during busy times. During coordination, arterial streets have priority, while side streets accessing Coal Creek Parkway or Newcastle Way follow set cycle lengths. On weekdays, coordination occurs at these times:
| Period | Time | Cycle Length |
| Morning | 7:00 – 9:00 AM | 150 sec |
| Mid-Day | — | — |
| Afternoon | 3:00 – 6:30 PM | 140 sec |
Outside these periods, signals operate independently to balance traffic flow.
Street Lights
Street lighting improves safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and can also reduce crime. However, poorly placed lights can create glare, affect natural areas, and increase costs. The City takes these factors into account when deciding on new street lights and follows the Street Light Installation Policy that guides decisions on new installations or replacements. Most lights in the city are owned and operated by Puget Sound Energy.
New street lights use energy-efficient LEDs, which cost less to operate and maintain than older high-pressure sodium lights. LED brightness depends on the street type, with warmer light on local streets and brighter light on main roads. Residents, businesses, or groups can request new lights or replacements using the Street Light Petition Form.