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Sustainable Transportation

Sustainability in Action

Retrofitted fleet vehicles run cleaner, cheaper on propane autogas

Propane is already saving the state on fuel cost and fleet vehicle maintenance just two months after WSDOT launched a pilot project to retrofit 21 sedans, vans and work trucks to run on cleaner-burning propane.

Our Southwest Region fleet now includes cars, vans and trucks that run on both propane and gasoline. It’s a first for WSDOT’s fleet and an innovative step toward sustainable transportation that could spread to other regions.

It’s the latest in a variety of ways WSDOT is making its fleet more sustainable, including the use of biofuel as an alternative to diesel, purchasing only hybrids for new passenger vehicles and cutting the agency’s overall fuel consumption with fewer trips and other strategies.

Read the full story.

SR 548 roundabout


Roundabout benefits come full circle

Believe it or not, driving in circles can actually save fuel and reduce harmful emissions. Though it may sound counterintuitive, roundabouts actually have many environmental benefits – on top of all their safety benefits – that should put them at the top any intersection improvement list.

Read the full story.

In the news...

Interesting trend or mindful choice? The percentage of teens and people in their 20s and 30s with driver's licenses down as Internet usage goes up. Read the report by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Sustainable transportation is a system that preserves the environment, is durable and takes into account how we build and the materials we use. It's a system that manages and operates using policies and strategies that meet society's present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Consider sustainability in all 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
We are 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
We are using new technology and innovative methods in our efforts to 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
We’re 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
We're helping 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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