High-tech traffic management coming to I-66, from Washington, D.C. to Gainesville

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will design and install an active traffic management (ATM) system on 34 miles of Interstate 66 from Washington, D.C. to Gainesville. The project is aimed at improving safety and boosting communication “during incidents and congestion,” according to a statement from Gov. Bob McDonnell, who announced the project in a news release.

Cost is pegged at $1 million a mile or $34 million total. The governor said construction of “the next generation of traffic management” will begin this spring. Construction of six emergency pull-off areas inside and outside the Capital Beltway will be the first phase of work. Later, dynamic message signs, ramp meters, sensors and new traffic cameras will be added.

On the most congested 12-mile section, from I-495 to US 29 in Centreville, gantries will be installed every half-mile with lane-control signals and queue warning systems, the release said.

VDOT is using technology and lessons from ATM projects in Europe and Seattle to roll this effort out in phases. The design-build contract was awarded to TransCore. The system is expected to be put into operation in early 2015.

      According to the governor’s statement, “Drivers will see new dynamic message and lane control signs, which will advise them of incidents and delays, travel times and provide directions on merging traffic and usable lanes to help transition traffic smoothly and safely. Ultimately, the improved road monitoring and information collected by the system should enable first responders to clear incidents more quickly.”

Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton was quoted as saying, “This new system will provide motorists with information that shows what lies ahead along their commute, helping them make more informed travel decisions.”
 
According to VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley, electronic signs will be vital to the system’s successful operation.He said signs will be lane-specific and closely spaced so drivers and emergency responders will be constantly informed about traffic conditions and guided “on how best to proceed.”