Yo-yo speed limits ahead on I-5 in Seattle

Yo-yo speed limits ahead on I-5 in Seattle

This image provided by the DOT demonstrates the use of variable speed limit signs.

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Story Published: Apr 8, 2008 at 10:10 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 8, 2008 at 10:10 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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SEATTLE -- Big changes are ahead on Interstate 5 in Seattle.

The Department of Transportation is planning to put in variable speed signs along the roadway which means depending on traffic flow, the signs will drop the speed limit from 60 mph to 30.

Seattle could become the first in the country to use the new speed signs which are slated to be up and running by late next year, according to the DOT. The idea came from Europe, where some countries have been using them since the 1980s.

After the new signs are installed, the speed limit could change as often as every hour. The DOT says the flexibility will help ease congestion and prevent accidents when the Alaskan Way Viaduct is taken down.

Traffic engineers also say varying the speed limit will help traffic flow better, even if it means drivers have to slow down to 30 mph.

"When you try to put too much traffic all at once through a congested area, it really brings things to a halt," said engineer Patty Rubstell. "So when you can manage traffic more efficiently and bring them in slower, you can get more through."

The signs will be installed only in the northbound lanes between Boeing Field and the I-90 interchange. The DOT plans to install 12 to 16 signs along the stretch of the roadway heading into Seattle.

The cost of the project is $25 million, making it a tough sell for some drivers.

"Slowing the traffic down to 30 is precisely the reason I sometimes take side roads, because traffic is already slowed down to 30 mph," said driver Nick Huntington.

"It seems necessary to them (officials)," said driver Steve Massee. "Every year I get property tax increases. Now I know where the money goes."

The DOT believes it's money well spent. They hope drivers will agree once they see the benefits first-hand.

"It is a lot of money, but it's a lot of signs," said Rubstell "It's new technology that needs to go in and it's a complex area through Seattle."

Highway engineers plan to implement variable speed limits to the 405 interchange with I-5 in Tukwila as well as in Lynnwood.

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