Electronic signs cut crashes on I-5 in Seattle

SEATTLE — The Washington Transportation Department says the number of accidents have dropped along a stretch of Interstate 5 in south Seattle after the so-called “Smarter Highway” signs were installed.

Road sensors are linked to the electronic signs that vary the speed limit and notify drivers of lane closures.

Since the signs were turned on Aug. 10 until Nov. 1 there were 35 crashes in the seven-mile stretch. That compares with an average of more than 100 in that period the past five years.

The Seattle Times reported Smarter Highway signs will go on next week above Highway 520 and on the I-90 floating bridge next year.

Officials say reducing accidents should reduce congestion and improve travel times.