While the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project is now more than 80 percent complete, major construction of the Telegraph Road Interchange began earlier this year and is scheduled to continue into 2013. To help keep drivers moving efficiently and safely during this final phase of construction, VDOT has debuted an advanced traffic management system called Variable Speed Limit (VSL).
VDOT traffic operators will adjust the posted speed limit along the seven-mile stretch of the Beltway between the Springfield Interchange and Maryland during off-peak congestion. Reducing the speed limit will create an even flow of traffic, reducing overall congestion and abrupt stops by drivers, resulting in fewer rear-end accidents and a safer construction environment. Drivers will be informed of speed limits through changeable highway signs.
During it’s initial run, the VSL program will only run during off-peak hours (between 9 p.m. and 5a.m.) In addition, speeds will not change more than every twenty minutes. VDOT will be in constant communication with the Virginia State Police to ensure that speed limit changes are communicated to officers, and drivers will have a five-minute grace period between changes before police begin to issue speeding tickets.
The program will also warn drivers of pending congestion on the Beltway by posting messages along major roadways that approach the construction zone, including Route 1, I-95 North and I-395 South.
Specially trained VSL traffic operators oversee the system from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project Headquarters in Alexandria, using roadway sensors and cameras to determine optimal speed limits to keep traffic moving. Operators coordinate VSL operations with the VDOT Smart Traffic Center, other regional traffic agencies and law enforcement agencies.
The Wilson Bridge Project has also created a new “Go With the Flow/Stay In the Know” section on their website that informs travelers prior to departure about real-time travel speeds, estimated delay times and additional information to help citizens decide whether they should adjust their travel time, route or mode.
Drivers can visit www.wilsonbridge.com for the latest project and traffic information.
