Traffic engineers begin testing new smarter highways signs on SR 520 in Bellevue
September 10, 2010 · 3:59 PM
The latest traffic technology aimed at increasing safety and reducing collisions is being tested on SR 520.
The tests, which began September 10, are of new electronic signs installed on SR 520 between 130th Ave Northeast in Bellevue and I-5 in Seattle.
Drivers can expect to see a series of test sequences – symbols or letters – on the new electronic signs during testing. Drivers do not need to take any action when they see the test sequences on the signs. Traffic engineers need to test the new signs to make sure they are ready for around-the-clock operations.
The testing is a visible heads up to drivers that the signs should be activated later this fall.
This latest addition of smarter highways technology is part of the SR 520/I-90 Active Traffic Management Project which adds electronic speed-limit and lane status signs to SR 520 and I-90 between Bellevue and Seattle. The signs will alert drivers to reduce their speed or change lanes when there are collisions or backups on the road.
Comment on this story.
So keep your comments:
- Civil
- Smart
- On-topic
- Free of profanity
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.

