Statewide economic rebound brings congestion

Delay on state highways mirrored economic growth and increased 4.6 percent from 2012 to 2014, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s 2015 Corridor Capacity Report.

October 26, 2015 11:54 am
Washington State Department of Transportation
Washington State Department of Transportation

The following is a release from the Washington State Department of Transportation:

Delay on state highways mirrored economic growth and increased 4.6 percent from 2012 to 2014, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s 2015 Corridor Capacity Report. The report notes that although statewide traffic congestion has been on an upward trajectory for the past five years, the average statewide congestion in 2014 was 8 percent below the 2007 pre-recession levels.

“As the report shows, transit and HOV lanes play a big role in creating more capacity on state highways and help us manage growing congestion,” said Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson. “We’re collaborating with our partners in cities, counties and transit to get the most capacity out of the state’s multimodal transportation system and provide commuters viable travel options­.”

The number of miles passengers traveled using transit during daily peak periods increased 10.4 percent statewide, from 1.3 million miles in 2012 to 1.5 million miles in 2014. Transit on Interstate 5 moved 56,331 people between Federal Way and Everett during morning and evening peak periods on average weekdays. This is similar to taking the equivalent of five general purpose lanes full of cars off this stretch of Interstate 5.

Other highlights from the Corridor Capacity Report include:

  • Traffic delay from Washington’s continuing economic rebound from the 2008 recession cost each resident $116 in 2014, and amounted to about $808 million statewide.
  • Statewide delay was also influenced by Washington having more drivers on the road. Passenger vehicle registrations increased 6.9 percent while licensed drivers increased 7.6 percent between 2012 and 2014.
  • Person throughput is higher in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes then it is in general purpose lanes. A prime example of this is the HOV lane on I-5 at Northgate, which moved three times more people than the adjacent general purpose lane in 2014.

To learn more about WSDOT’s performance or to review the 2015 Corridor Capacity Report, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Accountability/Congestion/2015.htm.