SMARTER HIGWAYS safer, smoother, smarter

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SMARTER HIGWAYS safer, smoother, smarter
Paula J. Hammond, P.E. Secretary
David L. Dye Deputy Secretary
Steve Reinmuth Chief of Staff
Craig Stone Toll Division Director
Presented by Ted Trepanier Director of Traffic
Operations
December 2009
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Active Traffic ManagementTools that are already
making our highways smarter

• Variable message signs
• Variable speed limits
• Traffic management centers
• Traffic cameras
• Ramp meters

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Smarter Highways WSDOT is a nationwide leader
using cutting edge traffic technology
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How will the system work?Smarter Highways in
action during a blocking incident
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ATM ProjectsWhen will drivers see Smarter
Highways?
Northbound I-5 Summer 2010 Boeing Access Road to
Downtown Seattle
SR 520 Summer 2010 I-5 to 130th Avenue NE in
Bellevue
I-90 Spring 2011 I-5 to 150th Avenue SE in
Bellevue
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Smarter Highways
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What makes Smarter Highways better?

• Safer and more efficient because they detect
  changes in traffic and adapt to current
  conditions.

• Variable speed limits warn motorists of slower
  traffic ahead.

• The technology is proven to reduce
  congestion-causing collisions by up to 30 percent.

• Help drivers make more informed decisions by
  providing real-time traffic information.

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Getting the most out of our roadways

• Using smarter roadway technology to improve
  traffic flow and reduce delay is a key element of
  WSDOTs three-point plan for reducing congestion.
  This ongoing strategy includes
• adding new road space where it makes the most
  sense
• offering travelers and commuters more choices to
  reduce traffic demand
• making the states existing highways as efficient
  as possible.

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For more information
Craig J. Stone, P.E. Director Toll
Division 206-464-1222 StoneC_at_wsdot.wa.gov
Ted Trepanier, P.E. Director Traffic
Operations 360-705-7280 TrepanT_at_wsdot.wa.gov
www.smarterhighways.com