GDOT tries low-cost innovation as alternative to adding lanes
A few months ago, I wrote about the way Washington state has used variable speed limit signs on certain stretches of its highways to slow down traffic ahead of congested areas — thereby avoiding accidents, delaying the onset of gridlock and keeping traffic flowing freely for longer.
Now, it appears we’re going to try a similar tactic along I-285. From the AJC:
The state Department of Transportation on Thursday voted to install variable electronic speed limit signs on the northern half of I-285, where the speed limit will change depending on congestion.
On the southern half, where there is less traffic, the speed limit will simply be raised to 65 mph. DOT officials cautioned the speed limit is still 55 mph all the way around until the project is complete.
The roadway was designed to accommodate higher speeds.
“It’s the principle that it will help to reduce accidents,” said DOT’s chief engineer, Gerald Ross. “And in high speed times — off-peak — you won’t have people jumping in and out of lanes.”
Accidents are of course one of the chief causes of traffic jams. The HERO response units have helped to clear accidents more quickly, but variable speed limits can help prevent more of them from happening.
This is exactly the kind of smarter approach to fighting traffic congestion that we must embrace in the wake of the T-SPLOST’s defeat in metro Atlanta and generally declining transportation funds. There will still be a need for new projects, and money to fund them, but perhaps this is a sign the reality of scarcity is serving to get the creative juices flowing among state transportation planners.
Now, we just have to convince metro Atlanta drivers it’s worthwhile to heed their warnings …
– By Kyle Wingfield
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180 comments Add your comment
iggy
September 21st, 2012
7:36 am
“Followed closely by ladders in the road. Why can’t people secure their ladders?”
Something on which Finn and I can agree. I would only add, coolers, matresses, retreads or as I call them “road gators”, milk crates and various other “big box” items.
Adjusting the speed limit with this latest gizmo is a waste of money. When I drive 285, during non-congestion hours, Im already crusing at 75, 80 and sometime 90 mph.
Just another pet project of some silly public sector employee with gifts and kickbacks for all. Just out of curiosity, what is the cost of each one of these signs?
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
7:39 am
TBS: ……. don’t hide your bigotry behind “I’m tweaking you”………
———
All that you’ve proven is that you don’t think very creatively.
Oh, and that you don’t know the meaning of words you use…like “bigot”!
Streetracer
September 21st, 2012
7:43 am
iggy:
As I said last night, most accidents and other traffic problems are caused by the nut that holds the steering wheel. While I don’t think that these signs will do much good, they may convince a few drivers to be more aware of what is happening ahead of them and plan better. Every little bit helps.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
7:47 am
Streetracer, Willard has already admitted that his parents bank rolled his life, why can’t you?
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
7:51 am
Maybe when you all get slaughtered at the polls again, it will force you all to take a hard look at why that is. Perhaps it will give you ample opportunity to purge the cancers out of your party and move back towards reality. A man can dream, can’t he?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
8:03 am
off topic but interesting to note:
Yesterday was to be the first debate between Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren at 7pm in Boston. Around 3pm, Scott Brown sends out a note saying he has to go back to Washington because his vote is needed in the Senate. Mwuahahahahahaha.
Almost immediately Harry Reid goes to the podium on the Senate floor, interrupts the Honorable Al Franken, and states “There will be no more votes in the Senate today.” Scott Brown turns around and heads back to Boston!
mwuahahahahahahhaha
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
8:05 am
I’m willing to bet one of the leading causes of rush hour accidents is lack of sleep. I think we should institute the “Siesta” in the workplace from noon to 2pm every working day.
Road Scholar
September 21st, 2012
9:25 am
“Actually, in today’s cars, the most economical speed is closer to 65 MPH. It’s been that way for well over a decade.”
Not according to my tachometer!
No Artificial Flavors
September 21st, 2012
9:28 am
“will make money at the gas pump since a car uses more gas at higher speeds!” -RS
It’s not 1970 anymore. My car get far better gas mileage cruising at 75 than 55.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
9:29 am
“Maybe when you all get slaughtered at the polls again…”
—————–
November 2010.
Road Scholar
September 21st, 2012
9:33 am
Finn: Like the siesta idea; encountered that in Italy. Two hours off right after lunch for a quick snooze. Most shops closed!
The biggest cause of accidents is preoccupation- with alcohol, texting, not paying attention, diverted attention, and….stupidity! Following too closely, speeding when conditions do not warrant it, and forgetting basic Physics…..two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time!
No Artificial Flavors
September 21st, 2012
9:36 am
@Roads Scholar, you forgot 26 inch rims. They don’t turn well.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
9:36 am
Wow. Some people really don’t understand how engines work. The harder an engine works, the more fuel it has to consume. Based on some of these people’s logic, a NASCAR must get 1,000 mpg. LOL!
No Artificial Flavors
September 21st, 2012
9:37 am
@gravy, you must not understand gearing and variable valve technology.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
9:48 am
Internal combustion engines are most efficient when running at the peak of their torque output curve, which is usually closer to “redline” than zero RPM.
JDW
September 21st, 2012
9:51 am
@LBB…”November 2010″
Ah yes the vaunted Good Ole Days that Republicans always long for…
Of course the reality of today is a bit different…
“Mitt Romney was expected to use a billionaire-fueled fundraising juggernaut to crush President Barack Obama’s once vaunted small-donor army. But things haven’t gone according to plan.”
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/81499.html#ixzz276z5nwAl
OOPS
Then there are those pesky “toss ups” where Mitt must sweep to win…
Ohio 48.6 to 43.8 Obama +4.2
Virginia 50.2 to 45.5 Obama +4.7
Florida 48.1 to 46.0 Obama +2.1
New Hampshire 47.3 to 45.0 Obama +2.3
Iowa 45.0 to 44.8 Obama +0.2
Colorado 47.3 to 46.0 Obama +2.0
Nevada 49.0 to 45.7 Obama +3.3
North Carolina 45.0 to 49.8 Romney +2.7
And finally some Republicans with sense…
From WaPost
“Senior Republicans say they will be forced to retreat on taxes if President Obama wins a second term in November, clearing the biggest obstacle to a deal with Democrats to defuse a year-end budget bomb that threatens to rock the U.S. economy.”
Going to be a long hard Winter LBB…
JDW
September 21st, 2012
9:55 am
BTW re fuel economy…
“While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.
You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas.”
Enough of the nonsense that “todays cars” get better mileage at higher speeds.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
9:57 am
JDW: ”November 2010″…Ah yes the vaunted Good Ole Days that Republicans always long for…
———————-
Nope. Just the last time a meaningful poll was taken.
When Americans vote, Republicans win.
Vote American.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:10 am
When Americans vote, Republicans win.
LOL! If these clowns would pull their heads out of the rears of plutocrats and stop clinging to Vietnam era politics, this state could actually make some progress. Oops, I used the ditto-head buzz word. LOL at LIl’ Barry and his Lil’ brain.
Guess what Lil’ Brain: I was born and raised right here in the USA, and I am damn sure not voting for Willard.
Only in the ditto-head world is voting for the destruction of the middle class considered “voting American.”
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:11 am
JDW is correct. Staying closer to 55 is much better on gas consumption.
Bring back the good ole days of MAX 55 mph on the highways? Oh heck no. It used to take forever to get anywhere.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:13 am
When Americans vote, Republicans win.
How about “When Americans vote, America wins”?
Oh, yeah, I forgot about that whole voter suppression initiative by the Republicans currently under way….
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:14 am
I would sooner vote for a thumb in the eye than vote for Willard. At least with the thumb in the eye I know what I’m getting and the pain will only be temporary.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:15 am
Only in the ditto-head world is voting for the destruction of the middle class considered “voting American.”
———————–
Median income down since Obozo took office.
Household net worth down since Obozo took office.
Unemployment higher since Obozo took office.
More on welfare since Obozo took office.
Gas price double what it was when Obozo took office.
Home prices lower than when Obozo took office.
You were saying?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:15 am
I know Cons hate science but here is more on the optimal speed being between 40 -60 mph:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/question4771.htm
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:16 am
“When Americans vote, Republicans win”
How about “When Americans vote, America wins”?
—————–
Same thing.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:18 am
At least with the thumb in the eye…
…I know it’s my thumb and not the thumb of Willard, Bully in Chief.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:18 am
Cons hate science but here is more on the optimal speed being between 40 -60 mph
—————–
My time is more valuable than any meager increase in cost to drive faster.
The parasites have all day to get where they’re going and no money for the next fillup, so they need your advice. I thank you on their behalf.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:18 am
You have to give it to the ditto-heads though. Not even they can stomach Willard, but for the sake of their party unity, they put on their brave face and pretend like they really like him. Yes, xenophobia and hatred are that powerful.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:19 am
Look up “diminishing returns” on the gas consumption thingy.
Ooops, more science. Kyle is gonna kick me!
JamVet
September 21st, 2012
10:20 am
Vote for Willard, vote for a coward.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:21 am
I know Lil’ Brain, Fox News says so, so it must be true, right? You’re pathetic.
zeke
September 21st, 2012
10:21 am
This will be as useless as the hov lanes, the toll hov lanes, the on ramp stop lights and most other such projects! You have to enforce the speed limits aggressively. You have to crack down seriously on aggressive drivers and those who radically lane change. If that means more cops, fine, put them on the roads, they pay for themselves! Marta nor any other mass transit plan will do anything to reduce congestion! The ONLY way to do that is to funnel traffic not going inside the perimeter of 285, AWAY FROM 285! Either the outer perimeter proposed in the late 80’s and early 90’s, or, several direct route around the city freeways are the only options! When you funnel every single vehicle into the perimeter area, even if they are going to Florida or SC, or TN or ALA, you get nothing but unneeded congestion! The only realistic project I saw proposed in the tax grab vote was one put out by Paulding, even though it was not in the 10 county plan. A direct route from 75 near Cartersville to 85 and 75 on the South side of 285! Just how many thousands of vehicles per day would be funneled away from the scourge of 285 and the inner city??
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:23 am
My time is more valuable than any meager increase in cost to drive faster.
Yep, I’m one of the people cruising along on my way to and fro work watching all the peeps jumping lanes, tailgating, blowing horns, pulling hair out.
Slow it down and enjoy the trip. Turn off Hannity and turn on something where you might hear something interesting. You shouldn’t have to rush to get to work.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:25 am
preach it zeke, preach it.
In another year or two we will find another post by Kyle regarding another hair-brained idea and Kyle will be saying “This is exactly the kind of smarter approach to fighting traffic congestion that we must embrace…”
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:33 am
Brace yourselves liberals, this is the idiocy we are fighting against:
Rush Limbaugh … attributed to feminists (”feminazis” as he puts it) the power to determine the size of male genitalia.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:36 am
JamVet, you are correct sir! How many “religious” deferments could one get from serving our nation during Vietnam? I don’t know what the legal limit was, but you can’t bet Willard does. I bet he got more than what was allowed.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:39 am
Cons got any new videos from 1998 they want to spring on us this morning?
I’m skeered just hinkin’ about it…
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
September 21st, 2012
10:40 am
Willard got 4 deferments.
But now he says he wanted to go….ok.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:43 am
Having a politically connected millionaire father has it’s privileges. Never having to do any real work. Never having to worry about being drafted. Picking on people because they are different than you, having access to police uniforms and going around impersonating officers for fun and never having to worry about punishment. In Willard’s mind, success comes easy enough, you just have to be like him. I guess it’s just my fault that I didn’t have millionaire parents to finance my schemes or to bail me out when they didn’t work.
JamVet
September 21st, 2012
10:45 am
Gravy, I call him a coward for his recent actions and words – saying that he would not go after Osama Bin Laden and then accusing our embassy personnel of being sympathizers with their attackers.
The man is another unprincipled GOP neocon and chickenhawk. And after the last deadly and bungling one we had in the White House, and the catastrophic consequences thereof, we simply CANNOT take a chance on this one.
Fortunately, he is going to lose…
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:46 am
I guess it’s just my fault that I didn’t have millionaire parents to finance my schemes or to bail me out when they didn’t work.
—————–
43 months of 8-10% unemployment.
Bail us out from THAT.
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:51 am
Lil’ Brain, what was the unemployment rate when Obama took office? What is it now? You’re just proving the notion that ditto-heads are terrible at basic math and need to be spoon fed their talking points. I know, next your going to give some negative regurgitation of Fox News on why that number has gone down. Still pathetic and so predictable.
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:52 am
“after the last deadly and bungling one we had in the White House”
—————–
Benghazi embassy security on 9/11
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:54 am
Lil’ Brain, what was the unemployment rate when Obama took office?
——————–
7.8%
What is it now?
8.1%
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:55 am
I wonder if Tech fans, who support a team that has only beaten UGA once in the last ten years would complain if they beat UGA by a field goal this year, the same way ditto-heads like to complain about our current recovery?
JamVet
September 21st, 2012
10:55 am
Lil BB, that was their fault. Ask your candidate.
Or maybe Your President Bush!
OK, off to make a tee time.
Enjoy your blogging day…
Gravy Train
September 21st, 2012
10:57 am
Lil’ Brain doesn’t even want to use real numbers. LOL
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:57 am
Why did the Obozo administration take down their apology Tweet on 9/11/12?
Lil' Barry Bailout - Vote American
September 21st, 2012
10:58 am
My numbers are only as real as Obozo’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ numbers, as that is my source.
Iowa St Fair
September 21st, 2012
10:58 am
Lil Barry: You are incorrect. When shifting you are correct, but that is not the case for the overall most efficient point of running the engine. Nice try. Close but no cigar.
The engine in a car cruising on a highway is usually operating significantly below its ideal load, because it is designed for the higher loads required for rapid acceleration