Moving Washington is a 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 managing the 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 five 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:
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Community Transit in Snohomish County |
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State-run and private ferries |
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Everett Transit |
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Spokane Transit |
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Intercity Transit in Olympia |
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Amtrak Cascades |
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C-Tran in Vancouver |
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Sound Transit |
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King County Metro |
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Pierce Transit |
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Employers in the Commute Trip Reduction program |
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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 also a two-, six-, and ten-year plan that focuses on the five most troublesome corridors in Washington.
Over the next ten 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