Traffic Strategies go Hi Tech
Our local government has two plans to help regulate our traffic, and thus improve traffic flow.
First, the HOT Lanes are being implemented this month on HWY 167 (aka The Valley Freeway) using the Good to Go transponders to pay your toll. If you are a carpool, you do not need to pay the toll, and can cover the transponder with aluminum. I’m honestly not sure how this honor system is supposed to accomplish anything. It seems like it will be harder to patrol than a simple carpool lane. And I can see why some have called it the “Lexus Lane”. But people who are carpools, or willing to pay the varying fee (up to $9) can ride in the HOT Lane on 169 when it opens April 26th.
The other plan is simply to slow us down via speed limit signs rather than stop n go traffic. I’m fairly confident it no longer meets the definition of a freeway if there is a 30MPH sign. Be that as it may, new speed limit signs will be installed next year on on a six-mile stretch of I-5 between Boeing Field and I190. These will be overhead electronic signs that slow people down - theoretically - to the optimal speed to keep traffic moving slowly instead of stop and go. Does anyone plan to slow down to the posted speed limit instead of going normal freeway speeds if possible? And does it make you feel better about going 30MPH on the freeway if it is the posted speed instead of “just” traffic? We’re spending $25 million dollars to find out.
Related articles: call 5-1-1 on your cell for real-time traffic information.
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about these traffic plans. Will they help?
Leave a Reply