Moving Washington

There is no single solution for traffic congestion, but experience has shown that we can reduce congestion by focusing on three key strategies.

Moving Washington is our three-part strategy to reduce traffic congestion in our state. The strategy emphasizes: adding road capacity strategically, operating the system we have efficiently, and providing choices that help manage demand.

Add Capacity Strategically   

Building or altering lanes and roads

Adding capacity strategically means to build or alter lanes and roads, targeting locations that reduce congestion. To accomplish this, our strategy focuses on the most troublesome corridors in Washington. 

In each corridor, we carefully select road projects that will get the most out of transportation dollars spent on easing congestion. Currently, WSDOT has already completed or started more than half of the 392 capital projects that were funded through the 2003 Nickel and 2005 Transportation Partnership Account (TPA) transportation packages.

However, there are many causes of congestion. Building new road space alone will not solve the congestion problem. We need a variety of solutions and to plan wisely. That's why Moving Washington includes operating efficiently and managing demand.

Operate Efficiently   

Improving the function of existing roads

Operating efficiently means taking steps to smooth traffic flows and avoid, or reduce, situations that constrict roads. Much of this is done using traffic technology, such as electronic tolling, traffic management centers, traffic cameras, variable message signs, and ramp meters. These solutions make drivers better able to adapt to changing circumstances and unforseen events.

Still, even with adding capacity and operating efficiently, more can be done. That's why we also manage demand.

Manage Demand   

Supporting alternatives to driving or driving alone

Managing demand means promoting and sponsoring travel options for commuters that result in greater efficiency for the transportation system. For example, convenient bus service, incentives to carpool or vanpool, promoting workplaces conducive to telecommuting. WSDOT partners with many organizations, including:

Other strategies include real-time traffic information displayed for drivers on electronic road signs and variable tolling based on traffic volume or time of day. All these options shift demand away from the parts of the system that are overburdened, whether it’s a particular route or a particular time of the day.

What will success look like?

Moving Washington is a program of specific actions that can achieve tangible early results. We've already started to realize some results from the program's strategies with the completion of numerous highway construction projects. Many more projects are under construction, and we'll soon see their benefits, as well.

Moving Washington is also a two-, six-, and 10-year plan that focuses on the most troublesome corridors in Washington.

Over the next 10 years we will:

• Improve travel times by 10%
• Reduce collisions by 25%
• Improve trip reliability by 10%
• Provide choices for commuters in our major corridors