February 2010
- Crews are working on the electrical and fiber optics on SR 520 and starting sign bridge foundation work on I-90. Most of the work is at night, so be prepared for lane closures and possible noise.
- Check out Smarter Highways and our new video on YouTube to learn about the latest active traffic management tools and technology included in this project.
- Mowat Construction will build the sign bridges and Elcon Corporation will install the electronic signs.
WSDOT crews will install a series of electronic speed-limit and lane status signs over each lane on the SR 520 and I-90 bridges over Lake Washington. They include:
- SR 520 - There are 19 sign locations between I-5 and 130th Ave NE in Bellevue. This includes new sign bridges and signs that will be mounted on existing structures.
- I-90 - There are 25 sign locations between I-5 and 150th Avenue SE. This also includes new sign bridges and signs that will be mounted on existing structures.
This safety project is an important part of the Urban Partnership, which is a partnership between WSDOT, King County and the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).
Why is WSDOT
using technology to improve traffic on SR 520 and I-90?
Active traffic management tools have proven effective at reducing collisions and improving traffic flow in Europe. This technology has resulted in several benefits including a 30 percent reduction in collisions and a 22 percent increase in roadway capacity.
Installing active traffic management signs on SR 520 and I-90 will help reduce congestion related collisions and smooth out traffic.
The End Result
The new signs will post variable speed limits that will warn drivers of backups ahead and smooth out traffic as it approaches a lane block incident. The overhead signs also can quickly close entire lanes and provide warning information to drivers before they reach slower traffic.
This advance notification and variable speed limits will help reduce collisions that cause backups and stop-and-go traffic. The new system will make the two bridges over Lake Washington safer and help us better manage and clear blocking incidents.
Project Benefits
- Safer driving with fewer collisions
- Less collision-related congestion
- Less congestion caused by traffic increases during replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct
- Better information for drivers about traffic problems ahead, travel times and alternate routes
- Less waiting for traffic-blocking incidents to be cleared from highway lanes
- More efficient bridges between Seattle and Bellevue/Kirkland that perform closer to their true potential
What is the project timeline?
- June 2009 - We selected Elcon Corporation to install the electronic signs.
- July 2009 - We awarded Mowat Construction the contract to build the sign bridges that will hold the new ATM signs.
- September 2009 - We started constructing the sign bridges on SR 520 and I-90
- February 2010 - We plan to complete the SR 520 sign bridge construction
- February 2010 - We continue constructing sign bridges on I-90
- Spring 2010 - We plan to start installing ATM signs on SR 520 and I-90
- August 2010 - We plan to activate the new ATM signs on SR 520
- March 2011 - We plan to activate the new ATM signs on I-90
Financial Information
This $42 million federally funded program is financed through the FHWA Urban Partnership . This funding includes electronic signs and sign bridges on SR 520 and I-90.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Jennifer Charlebois, P.E.
WSDOT Project Engineer
401 2nd Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-716-1106
Mark Sawyer, P.E.
WSDOT Project Engineer (sign bridges)
3241 118th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
Phone: 425-649-4429
Patty Michaud
WSDOT Communications
401 2nd Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-716-1133
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