Drivers are noticing these new signs, but wonder why they are needed. So, I asked the DOT why they are putting them up and when they’ll be running. This is what they said, “The variable speed limit signs on westbound I-90 between I-405 and I-5 are part of the first stage of WSDOT and Sound Transit's I-90 Two-Way Transit & HOV Operations Project. Our traffic engineers are currently testing the new signs to make sure they are ready for around-the-clock operations. We expect to have them fully operational and enforceable by the end of April.

The signs are designed to alert drivers to slowdowns and backups on the road ahead. In this area I-90 has two tunnels and several curves cutting down on drivers’ sight distance. To make room for a new westbound HOV lane between Bellevue Way and Rainier Ave, crews needed to narrow the lanes and reduce the shoulder widths in the area. To increase safety in the area and help reduce the risk of rear-end collisions we are installing variable speed limit and other driver information signs.”