Operations & services

Learn about the tools we use to reduce traffic congestion and collisions, including ramp meters, traffic management centers, traffic signals and our incident response team.

Active Traffic and Demand Management

Learn about Active Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM), an operational strategy for reducing collisions associated with congestion and blocked lanes.

Avalanche control

Learn about our avalanche forecasting and control efforts to keep our transportation system reliable and safe. 

Incident Response Program

The Incident Response program is a traffic congestion mitigation strategy. The Incident Response Team (IRT) is composed of agencies, vendors, and other resources that respond to, investigate, clean up, and clear traffic incidents.

Ramp meters

Learn about ramp meters and how they work.

Snow and ice plan

Learn about how we prepare and prioritize our response to winter weather driving conditions.

Tire chain installation

WSDOT issues permits allowing businesses and individuals to install and remove motorist-owned tire chains

Traffic Management Centers (TMCs)

Learn about the central command centers for WSDOT's highway monitoring and response efforts.

Traffic signals

Learn more about how traffic signals operate, and how and when they are installed.

Winter driving tips

Traction tires are a special type of tire

manufactured with at least 1/8 of an inch tread. Traction tires are usually marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol, the letters M+S or “All Season.”

Carry chains, practice before leaving

Requiring chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway.

Prep your car. Fill up your gas tank,

pack jumper cables, ice scraper, warm clothing, snacks and water.