Date:  Friday, October 16, 2009

Contact: Patty Michaud, WSDOT Communications, 206-716-1133 (Seattle)

SEATTLE – Innovative traffic technology is about to make Puget Sound highways smarter and more efficient than ever. The new system, active traffic management (ATM), features a network of sensors and electronic signs on northbound I-5, SR 520 and I-90 that automatically responds to traffic conditions and gives drivers information that will result in a safer and smoother trip.

“Traffic engineers call it active traffic management, but it’s really about making our highways smarter. Smarter Highways technology will move traffic more effectively using our existing highways better - a key element of our three-part Moving Washington Strategy to reduce congestion,” said Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “This new system builds and expands on the advanced tools drivers are using today and takes them to the next level.”

The overhead, electronic signs will automatically alert drivers to change lanes when an incident blocks traffic ahead or to adjust their speed before they reach slower-moving traffic. It will help reduce rear-end collisions, allow for earlier escape to alternate routes and smooth lane shifting caused by incidents like stalls or collisions.

“Washington is one of the first states to introduce this cutting edge technology,” said WSDOT Toll Division Director Craig Stone. “We’re activating these high-tech signs starting next summer and want drivers to know what’s coming so they’ll be ready.”

Drivers will use Smarter Highways on three of Washington’s busiest corridors. The locations and activation dates are:
• Northbound I-5 between Boeing Access Road and I-90 in summer 2010
• SR 520 between I-5 and 130th Avenue NE in Bellevue in summer 2010
• I-90 between I-5 and 150th Avenue SE in Bellevue in spring 2011

Collisions cause traffic congestion
Congestion and collisions are closely related. In 2008 alone, 639 collisions contributed to backups on northbound I-5 between Boeing Access Road and I-90. Reducing collisions by one-third will make highway travel safer, keep traffic and goods moving, improve trip reliability and decrease the time people spend everyday sitting in traffic.

“Slowing down drivers before they reach the point where the traffic stops will prevent “panic braking” that can cause collisions,” Stone said. “The new signs will provide drivers advance warning to help keep traffic moving safer and more smoothly.”

WSDOT traffic engineers studied similar technologies used successfully in European countries, including Germany and Great Britain, where Smarter Highways helped reduced congestion-causing collisions by as much as 30 percent.

Building upon existing tools
Smarter Highways build and expand on existing tools that WSDOT has used successfully for years, including ramp meters, traffic cameras and electronic message signs. Variable speed limit signs already help make driving in winter weather safer on both I-90 Snoqualmie Pass and US 2 Stevens Pass. Earlier this year, the department turned on the state’s first variable speed limit signs on an urban freeway – I-90 from Bellevue to Seattle.

Moving Washington with Smarter Highways
Smarter Highways technology and techniques are a vital component of Moving Washington, WSDOT’s statewide strategy for improving mobility. The program uses new tools and technologies to better manage congestion by making our busiest freeways more efficient.

Installing active traffic management signs on I-5 will also help keep people and goods moving during upcoming construction to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. The I-5 ATM signs are funded through WSDOT’s Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program.

To learn more about how we’re making our highways smarter, visit: www.smarterhighways.com.

For information about Moving Washington visit:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/movingwashington

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WSDOT's mission is to keep people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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