To Keep Washington Moving—Informed Travelers Make the Best Travelers
At Washington State Department of Transportation our motto is, "Know before you go." By getting information to you about road conditions, construction, collisions, and closures, you will be better prepared to make travel decisions for reaching your destination safely and on time. Here are some tools we use to help you get the information you need:
- Travel Info on the Web
You can check traffic, weather and road conditions from your computer, before you go at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic.
- Call 5-1-1
For the latest travel information from your phone. Outside of Washington, call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
- Roadside Electronic Message Signs
These changeable signs are used to warn motorists about lane closures, traffic back ups, travel times, speed limits, current conditions, and construction work in real time.
- Highway Advisory Radio
Flashing lights on an advisory sign will let you know when to tune to the highway advisory radio to hear what's happening on the road ahead.
Getting There Smoothly
Ramp Meters:
Travelers to the Puget Sound region may not be familiar with these stop-and-go traffic signals on freeway ramps. By creating a short delay between cars, motorists can merge onto the highway with fewer collisions and disruptions to the traffic flow.
Electronic Tolling:
Tolling is a method of managing traffic and paying for large highway projects in Washington State. The "Good To Go!" electronic tolling program utilizes a transponder, mounted on your vehicle that deducts tolls automatically from your pre-established account. The new eastbound Tacoma Narrows Bridge on SR 16 and the HOT lanes on SR 167 are both tolled facilities. For tolling information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Operations/Tolling
Clearing Roads, Helping Drivers - Incident Response Team (IRT)
Even the most prepared traveler can run into problems. To help, we operate a fleet of 55 IRT vehicles statewide to keep motorists moving. IRT vehicles are equipped to provide roadside assistance for vehicle break downs, flat tires, or a push to the side of the road.