High-Tech Improvements Underway this Summer on the I-80 Corridor

Have you noticed the metering lights that have recently been installed on the on-ramps along the I-80 Corridor between the Carquinez and Bay Bridges? They are all part of the I-80 Smart Corridor Project, which is on schedule to be complete in early 2015. Through the use of innovative technology such as real-time traffic information, variable advisory speed signs and coordinated incident management, the project will reduce congestion and secondary accidents along the entire corridor.

Starting in mid to late July, overhead display signs (gantries) will be installed over the westbound lanes between El Cerrito and Emeryville. The gantries will hold the variable speed messaging signs and lane use signal signs, which will provide advance warning of accidents, merges or speed changes. Installation will require full freeway closures in the westbound direction – but only during the middle of the night (for closure information see http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/projects/80icm/).  Installation will be complete this summer and system integration will occur later this year. The overhead signs and smart ramp meters will all be turned on simultaneously in early 2015.

The San Pablo Avenue corridor and other I-80 connecting arterials are also included in the project, which is the first of its kind in the Bay Area to integrate freeway and arterial operations into a single, interconnected traffic management system. It is also the first project to use variable advisory speed signs to notify drivers of conditions ahead (helping to reduce secondary accidents), and the first installation in California of signs that direct drivers to specific lanes to improve safety and traffic flow. Additionally, the project supports transit by giving preferential treatment to transit vehicles through signal priority and ramp meter bypass.

The I-80 Smart Corridor project was developed in collaboration with Caltrans, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority,  nine cities, two transit agencies and other regional agencies with jurisdictions in this area. Alameda CTC and our partners are excited about the significant benefits that this high-tech smart corridor project will bring to commuters, transit and business in this very congested corridor and will keep you informed of its continued progress. For more information, view the I-80 Smart Corridor Project video.