Variable speed limit debuts July 28 for Woodrow Wilson Bridge area
Specially trained VSL traffic operators will oversee the system as it utilizes roadway sensors and cameras to determine optimal speed limits to keep traffic moving
The Trucker News Services
7/24/2008
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A new traffic management system called Variable Speed Limit (VSL) is being debuted July 28 by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to assist drivers approaching the reconstruction of the Telegraph Road Interchange, the final element of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project.
This spring, a two-mile stretch of I-95/Beltway at Telegraph Road was reduced from eight lanes to six lanes, a condition planned to remain through 2011. Periodically, construction will require additional short-term lane closures during overnight hours. Keeping traffic moving as efficiently and safely as possible during these short-term lane closures is the initial goal of VSL.
“VSL has proven successful in Europe, moving drivers with greater efficiency and safety,” said Ronaldo T. “Nick” Nicholson, VDOT Wilson Bridge project manager and regional transportation program director. “Implementing VSL at the Telegraph Road Interchange promises to ease the way for travelers during construction and it will serve as an excellent test bed for possible deployment elsewhere and for additional purposes.”
In essence, VSL regulates traffic flow in the same way as rice grains passing through a funnel: Depositing a bag of rice grains all at once will clog the funnel, whereas gradually pouring the grains enables them to pass through quickly.
The goals of VSL are:
• Increase traffic flow by integrating vehicles gradually
• Reduce abrupt traffic stoppages, resulting in fewer rear-end/side-swipe crashes
• Make work zones safer for construction workers, motorists and law enforcement officers, and
• Empower motorists by providing actionable information about real-time traffic conditions, enabling them to modify travel routes, times or modes.
Specially trained VSL traffic operators will oversee the system as it utilizes roadway sensors and cameras to determine optimal speed limits to keep traffic moving. Operators will coordinate VSL operations with the VDOT Smart Traffic Center, other regional traffic agencies and law enforcement agencies.
Drivers will be informed of varying speed limits through changeable highway signs posted on the seven-mile portion of the I-95 between the Springfield Interchange and the Maryland shore.
When conditions are congested, the VSL system will offer current delay-time estimates on highway signs, which will be strategically placed upstream to enable motorists to choose a different route before they encounter congestion.
A new “Go With the Flow/Stay In the Know” section on www.wilsonbridge.com will inform travelers prior to departure about real-time travel speeds via a color-coded map (green/yellow/red indicating highway speeds), estimated delay times and additional information to help inform their decisions about travel time, route and mode.
Variable speed limits will be enforced by state and local police. Highway work zones often cause drivers to slow down suddenly or change lanes abruptly, leading to rear-end and side-swipe crashes that imperil drivers, construction workers and law enforcement officers.
“VSL has the potential to move traffic more efficiently and safely — but only if drivers comply,” observed Lt. Eric Reiley of the Virginia State Police Fairfax Division. “Posted varying speed limits will be strictly enforced by law enforcement working within VSL zones. We also remind motorists of Virginia’s law that requires drivers to slow down or move over when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the highway.”
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project is now more than 80 percent complete, with work on the river bridges and interchanges at Route 1, I-295 and Maryland 210 concluding in late 2008 or early 2009. The reconstruction of the Telegraph Road Interchange is scheduled for completion in 2013.
Click on www.wilsonbridge.com for the latest project and traffic information.