$2M project would help Snohomish County catch up with traffic
Feb 29, 2016, 10:52 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016, 10:54 pm
Snohomish County is trying to play catch-up with its population growth.
There is a $2 million plan to make the traffic signals between Everett and Bothell more efficient by using adaptive signal technology.
The technology allows signals to make decisions on their own to improve travel times. Bellevue is using it, and Seattle just started using it.
Related: Bus stop frustrating Everett drivers stuck in traffic
County traffic engineer Jim Bloodgood says it’s a cheap way to improve conditions without having to spend a ton of money.
“We’ve seen a growth in traffic and a growth in congestion,” Bloodgood said.
Making all the signals in the region, or on specific corridors, work together can really impact daily drives. It only makes sense to coordinate them and then let them think on their own in order to manage traffic.
Bloodgood wants to get the signals talking, specifically from Bothell to Paine Field where Community Transit plans to add rapid ride service.
Most of the $2 million will come from federal grants that the county is preparing to submit. It would go active next year if approved.
“We should see reduced congestion,” Bloodgood said, adding that at the very least, traffic will improve during peak periods.
Related: Tell us what slows you down each day
