The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is hoping their “Intelligent Transportation System” (ITS) will help you get to where you’re going a little quicker.
SDOT debuted the ITS signs on Monday, which tell you how long it will take to get to different parts of the city. “This information allows drivers to make better decisions en route to their destination and, as a result, improves commute times and reduces pollution,” the SDOT blog states.
From SDOT:
“There are many components to the Intelligent Transportation System, designed to reduce vehicle delay by 40 percent, travel time by 10 to 25 percent, emissions by 5 to 8 percent, and fuel usage by 10 percent. When the system is completed in March, there will be 22 dynamic information signs, 80 vehicle license detectors (to collect travel times), 130 traffic cameras, solar-energized traffic volume counters, upgraded computer-controlled traffic signal equipment, and fiber optic connections. Traffic signals in three corridors automatically adjust their own timing according to traffic volumes—First Avenue South, Fourth Avenue South, and 15th Avenue West. When bridges open for marine traffic—and close to motor vehicles—traffic signals automatically adjust. Traffic signals in major corridors give priority to emergency vehicles, buses and light rail.
The ITS signs will light up with traffic times during commute hours from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
SDOT also has an online component of the ITS with drive times, construction information and other alerts found here. And there is an iPhone app with all the same data.