May 2012
- Construction crews are close to completing the work.
- WSDOT signals testing is scheduled to start in early June.
- New lanes could be automated by mid-July.
- It takes up to an hour to switch the express lanes. When the project is complete, that time is reduced to about 15 minutes.
- See photos from the typical I-5 express lane switch.
- Stay ahead of construction in the Seattle area by signing up for our e-mail updates.
WSDOT will help ease congestion and improve safety on I-5 in Seattle by partially automating the the I-5 express lanes.
This work includes automatied gates, new LED signs, upgraded electrical systems, new fiber optic systems, and new cameras. This will allow WSDOT traffic engineers to remotely control many parts of the express lane operation from the Traffic Management Center in Shoreline.
This is part of WSDOT's Moving Washington strategy to operate the freeway system more efficiently.
Why is WSDOT
automating the I-5 express lanes?
It takes WSDOT crews about 45 minutes to reverse the I-5 express lanes from the southbound to the northbound direction. Each of the 25 to 30 gates must be manually changed and crews must check to make sure vehicles are clear from the freeway and the ramps. Additionally, crews must visually confirm the driver information signs are accurate. During that time traffic typically backs up on I-5 between Northgate and downtown Seattle.
The communications systems that are part of the express lanes were cutting edge in the 1980s but are now obsolete, unreliable, vulnerable and inefficient.
Upgrading the express lanes communications and operations will cut the reversal time in half, which will make transit and the freeway more efficient. Additionally, it will free up crews so they can spend more time on other maintenance activities.
By the numbers:
- 45 new cameras on new poles, old poles, affixed to walls and structures, and lightpoles.
- 9 new camera cabinets
- 9 new gate controllers
- 13 miles of new fiber
- 2 news cabinets for Highway Advisory Radio
- Ethernet switches for all connections
The End Result
WSDOT will install gate controllers at several locations and fiber optic lines that will allow engineers to reverse directions of the I-5 express lanes remotely from our Traffic Management Center in Shoreline.
We will also add 45 new cameras to better monitor blind spots and check electronic signs.
Automating the I-5 express lanes will not necessarily change express lane operation during snow and ice. During extremely cold temperatures, the gates may freeze and prevent the gates from opening or closing.
Project Benefits
Congestion: Reducing the time it takes to reverse directions of the I-5 express lanes will help ease midday congestion.
Safety: New cameras and electronic message signs will help us better communicate with drivers about roadway conditions.
What is the project timeline?
- March 2011: Project will be advertised to contractors.
- Summer 2011: Construction is scheduled to begin.
- June 2011 - November 2011: Phase one (Dearborn Street to Roanoke Avenue)
- November 2011 - January 2012: Phase two is underway (Ship Canal Bridge to 145th Street)
- January 2012 - April 2012: Phase three (145th Street to Shoreline Traffic Management Center)
- June 2012: Construction is expected to be completed.
- June - September 2012: Testing of the new automated gates system.
- Late fall 2012: Crews will begin the new automated express lanes.
Financial Information
Total cost: $5.7 million
$6.3 million (Federal Funds)
$200,000 (state gas taxes)
$112,000 (Homeland Security)
How can I get more information?
Contact:
John Chi
WSDOT Project Engineer - Construction
ChiJ@wsdot.wa.gov
425-489-5402
Mike Murphy
WSDOT Communications
MurphyM@wsdot.wa.gov
206-440-4699
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