Moving Washington

There is no single solution for traffic congestion, but experience has shown that we can reduce congestion by focusing on three key strategies: adding road capacity strategically, operating the system we have efficiently, and providing choices that help manage demand.

Moving Washington includes integrated corridor-specific plans to target the unique problems facing local areas.

View our slideshow for more on the corridor-specific plans for implementing Moving Washington.

Washington depends on mobility

Effective transportation is critical to maintaining our economy, environment and quality of life. “Moving Washington” is WSDOT’s vision of investments and priorities for the next 10 years. It integrates new capacity, efficiencies and commute options to address congestion head-on and improve the performance of our state’s transportation system. The program’s primary objective is mobility, one of the state Legislature’s five transportation priorities along with preserving our transportation infrastructure, making the system safe for all, ensuring environmental sustainability and practicing sound stewardship.

The transportation improvements identified in Moving Washington are necessary for us to continue to enjoy all our state has to offer. From the coastal rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the river gorges in the south and east, Washington State is rich with landscapes and a diverse economy. We depend on a reliable trip to work, and we want to spend time with our families when our work is done. Industries from agriculture and manufacturing to retail and tourism rely on our transportation system.

Our vision for the future

To enhance our economic vitality and personal mobility while safeguarding the environment, Washington State must continue to make improvements in our transportation system. A balanced, efficient and reliable transportation system can meet our increasing population needs and allow us to stay competitive in a global economy for the years to come.

Moving Washington provides the tools and the blueprints.

How could transportation look in 2020 with Moving Washington?

• Travel times improve
• Rush-hour commuters can choose a reliable trip in free-flowing express lanes
• Fewer collisions mean fewer resulting backups
• Less idling in gridlock reduces greenhouse gas emissions and makes our streams and rivers cleaner
• Transit operates in free-flowing lanes with reliable buses that make intermodel connections to light rail and commuter rail
• Freight flows in and out of the ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Everett, and farm produce and other goods move rapidly across the state

Add Capacity Strategically  

Building or altering lanes and roads

As our state continues to grow, it will be necessary to develop additional traffic capacity. However, budgetary constraints and other factors mean we can’t simply build our way out of congestion. We must plan our projects wisely by targeting the worst traffic-flow bottlenecks in our system. By addressing specific bottleneck locations we will be able to improve mobility on longer stretches of our highways.

Already we are addressing the most troublesome sections of our highway system. The 2003 and 2005 transportation funding packages include 391 projects, including many that add capacity where it makes the most sense. Washington continues to invest in improvements to I-5, I-405, SR 520 and US 395 among others.

However, there are many causes of congestion. Building new road space alone will not solve the congestion problem. We need a variety of solutions and to plan wisely. That's why Moving Washington includes operating efficiently and managing demand.

Operate Efficiently 

Improving the function of existing roads

Operating efficiently means taking steps to smooth traffic flows and avoid, or reduce, situations that constrict roads. Collisions account for at least 25 percent of traffic backups, so making our roads safer will go a long way toward easing congestion. Technology, such as electronic tolling, traffic management centers, traffic cameras, variable message signs, and ramp meters help drivers better adapt to changing circumstances and unforseen events.

Still, even with adding capacity and operating efficiently, more can be done. That's why we also manage demand.

Manage Demand   

Supporting alternatives to driving or driving alone

Managing demand means promoting and sponsoring travel options for commuters that result in greater efficiency for the transportation system. For example, convenient bus service, incentives to carpool or vanpool, promoting workplaces conducive to telecommuting. WSDOT partners with many organizations, including:

Other strategies include real-time traffic information displayed for drivers on electronic road signs and variable tolling based on traffic volume or time of day. All these options shift demand away from the parts of the system that are overburdened, whether it’s a particular route or a particular time of the day.

What will success look like?

Moving Washington is a program of specific actions that can achieve tangible early results. We've already started to realize some results from the program's strategies with the completion of numerous highway construction projects. Many more projects are under construction, and we'll soon see their benefits, as well.

Moving Washington is also a two-, six-, and 10-year plan that focuses on the most troublesome corridors in Washington.

Over the next 10 years we will:

• Improve travel times by 10%
• Reduce collisions by 25%
• Improve trip reliability by 10%
• Provide choices for commuters in our major corridors