The first set of ‘Smarter Highway’ signs on I-5 will go live today.
You’ve likely already seen the new square, electronic screens on northbound I-5 heading into Seattle. They will automatically alert drivers to change lanes when an incident blocks traffic or to adjust their speed before reaching slower-moving traffic.
“We’re asking drivers to get familiar with Smarter Highways ahead of time so they know what to do when the sign above their lane shows a yellow arrow or a reduced speed limit,” said Patty Rubstello, WSDOT Systems Engineer. “This is new technology for us and the United States, so we know it will be a big change for drivers.”
Overhead, electronic signs will automatically alert drivers to change lanes when an incident blocks traffic or to adjust their speed before reaching slower-moving traffic. The new signs will help reduce rear-end collisions, allow for earlier escape to alternate routes and smooth lane shifting caused by incidents like stalls or collisions.
Drivers will eventually use Smarter Highways on three of Washington’s busiest corridors, including Northbound I-5 between Boeing Access Road and I-90, SR 520 between I-5 and 130th Avenue NE in Bellevue, and I-90 between I-5 and 150th Avenue SE in Bellevue in spring 2011.
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