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Sustainable Transportation

Sustainability in Action

LED Highway lighting
Existing high pressure sodium highway lighting at US 101 and Black Lake Boulevard.

LED highway lighting a bright idea

Travelers on US 101 west of Olympia will soon see the Black Lake Boulevard interchange in a whole new light.

WSDOT is replacing the high-pressure sodium highway lighting with the state's first light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system.

The system allows operators to remotely adjust light levels and turn on or off individual lights when traffic is light. It should decrease costs and use less energy while maintaining just the right amount of light. With 88 light poles planned for retrofit, the system is expected to save 1.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and more than $75,000 in maintenance and operating costs compared to an HPS system.

LED lighting installations along US 101 should be complete by March 1 and in full energy-saving operation by mid-April.


WSDOT wins alternative fuels commitment award

WSDOT recently earned the “2012 Alternative Fuels Sustainable Commitment Award” from the Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition. The award acknowledges the agency's efforts to reduce the use of petroleum-based fuels in the transportation sector and recognizes WSDOT’s achievements promoting electric vehicles, propane trucks and biodiesel ferry vessels.



What's new?

Sustainable transportation is a durable, adaptable and integrated statewide transportation system that supports Washington's economy, preserves the environment and enhances our communities. It's a strategically managed and operated system that meets society's present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It's in everything we do
Emissions from transportation-related activities account for nearly half of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Washington. This is one reason why we consider sustainability in all that we do. Our practices make good environmental sense and good economic sense for Washington. Our agency uses a strategic and balanced approach to conserve energy and fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emission from the transportation sector.

Making transportation sustainable
WSDOT is making transportation more sustainable in a multitude of ways - from long-range plans to our day-to-day operations. This includes designing highways that work best for communities, integrating transit, bicycling and walking into projects and employing techniques that reduce storm water pollutants. Our maintenance crews use precision snow and ice removal techniques that keep drivers safe while using the minimum amount of salt necessary.

Technology
New technology and innovative methods at WSDOT provide a more reliable, responsible and sustainable transportation system. We are taking steps to conserve fuel and energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect our natural environment while keeping people and goods moving.

Efficiency
WSDOT is making highways more efficient by smoothing traffic flow through our busiest choke points. We're using fewer building materials by recycling and extending the lifespan of roads, bridges and other structures.

Reducing the carbon footprint
This approach helps citizens and businesses reduce their carbon footprint in new ways, from expanding transit services and ridesharing opportunities to partnering to build support infrastructure along I-5 for electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles.

For more information
Seth Stark - WSDOT Sustainable Transportation Manager 
360-705-7913
Seth.stark@wsdot.wa.gov

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