This
map shows the project limits.
This is an example of what the new travel time signs could look like. We are still working on the sign design.
November 2009
- We plan to start installing the new signs in February 2010.
- Elcon Corporation will install the new signs.
- We plan to activate the new signs by September 2010.
New travel time signs on and near I-405 and Lake Washington soon will help drivers get to work and back home faster with less frustration from unexpected traffic backups. These electronic signs will use real-time traffic data to provide up-to-the-minute travel times to Seattle from three key locations.
The signs will display current travel time in minutes to Seattle via SR 520, I-90 and possibly other major routes. The project will reduce collisions, as well as the extra congestion caused by collisions, by warning drivers of slow-moving traffic ahead. The information also will signal drivers to use alternative routes, reducing backups even more.
Sign locations:
- Westbound SR 520, one mile east of I-405
- Southbound I-405 at the NE 72nd Place overpass, 1.3 miles north of the SR 520
- Westbound SR 522 at the SR 202 overpass, one mile east of the I-405 northbound exit
Why is WSDOT
installing travel time signs?
Travel time signs are one of several new technologies that make commutes safer and help ease congestion on Washington highways by more evenly distributing traffic and warning drivers of problems ahead. At the heart of this approach is WSDOT's Moving Washington program, which makes roadways more efficient, add capacity strategically and manage traffic demand with more commute choices.
Travel time signs make roads more efficient by helping to maintain traffic at the capacity a highway was designed to carry. By using as much lane space as possible without exceeding the proper capacity, traffic flows more smoothly with fewer congesting-causing collisions.
Many of WSDOT's new tools and technologies, known collectively as active traffic management (ATM), share this objective. ATM uses information technology to help traffic adapt to constantly changing highway conditions.
The End Result
Electronic travel time signs will be installed roadside at three different locations on I-405, SR 520 and SR 522.
Project Benefits
- Safer highways with fewer collisions
- Less congestion
- Better traffic information for better commute choices
- More evenly distributed traffic during rush hour
What is the project timeline?
- August 2009: Project advertised for contractor bids
- September 2009: Contract awarded
- February 2010: Sign installation and technical work begins
- September 2010: Signs operational
Financial Information
Estimated total cost: $1.37 million
The project is funded mostly by federal grants from the FHWA Urban Partnership.
Funding:
- Urban Partnership grants: $1.14 million
- State gas tax and other federal grants: $227,709
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Jennifer Charlebois, P.E.
WSDOT Project Engineer
Urban Corridors Office
401 2nd Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-464-1106
Patty Michaud
WSDOT Communications
Urban Corridors Office
401 2nd Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-716-1133
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