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An Intentional Slow-Down on I-5


A bird's-eye view of I-5 from the Seattlest Flickr Pool, thanks to subactive photos

Usually, when traffic is dawdling on I-5 at 30 m.p.h., we're longing for the arterial: same speed, fewer Seattle drivers. But starting next year, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may be intentionally slowing down drivers on I-5 in hopes that it will ease traffic.

The $25 million dollar project will focus on a six-mile stretch of I-5 where speeds will vary throughout the day to accommodate traffic. The WSDOT will install overhead electronic signs to inform drivers of the current speed limit. Currently, there are plans to install signs on four north-bound lanes between 1-90 and Boeing Field. The WSDOT also plans to implement the variable speeds near Sea-Tac airport, possibly decreasing the speed limit to 30 or 40 m.p.h. at all times on that stretch.

The WSDOT is hoping varying speeds will help congestion while the Alaskan Way Viaduct undergoes repair, and that they will also decrease crashes and fatalities. Craig Stone, of the WSDOT, quoted Europe's success implementing varying speeds on their highways: "[Europe has found] they get a 30 percent reduction in accidents." If the changes are successful on I-5, the WSDOT hopes to expand the changes to include I-90 and I-405.

We imagine any plan to decrease the speed limit will anger many Seattle drivers, but we're so fed up with the traffic that we'll happily try any alternative.

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By Abbey in on April 9, 2008 3:30 PM

Comments [rss]

  • ysabella

    A system like this runs in the urban west of the Netherlands (the Randstadt), where traffic is even worse than Seattle - stop-start tailbacks are generally reported in kilometers (as in, size of the parking lot on the freeway). Being an American who lived there briefly, I found it helpful and easy to understand. The signs are electronic and update with the current speed in response to the traffic load.

    Getting everyone to slow down at the right time is a good idea. It's more of a warning when you are approaching a slowdown, and it will help cut down on fender-benders. And that data will add to traffic reports and online traffic maps, which can be helpful for planning ahead.

    Another thing common in Europe is, when there's a sudden slowdown, as people hit their brakes they also tap on their hazard lights. So you see those flashing up ahead and you know to slow down. I kind of wish we did that here.

  • thursday

    ...But people drive 40 here when the speed limit is 60, even when there's no traffic...

  • I'm assuming these signs are also working on a cure for cancer.

  • polyrhythmic

    Just when I thought Seattle couldn't possibly drive any slower...



    I'm with Geoff. Where is our public transportation money going? $25M could be a mile of light rail. Any quotes from the Europeans about the actual effect on traffic congestion?



    Some of the fastest (and safest) drivers during rush hour are the buses, and doing 60+ mph keeps them just barely on time. Great way to screw both personal and public transportation again with the same waste of money. I may have to take a cue from Europe -- quick mopeds on city streets may be the only option left for years to come.

  • Geoff

    Wait a second....$25M to put up some freaking signs? Um, what? They better be some nice signs...

  • jessejb

    holy crap thats a lot of parking lots...

  • vanderleun

    WSDOT theme song: "To Dream the Impossible Dream"

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