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Traffic Operations-Operating - Department of Transportation - Current Law

The Traffic Operations – Operating program maximizes highway system efficiency and safety. Program focus areas are system operations, incident response, low-cost enhancement projects, field assessments and emerging technology. System operation functions include operating ramp meters, tunnels and bridges, traffic signals and active traffic management systems. Staff located at traffic management centers (TMC) perform these functions, communicate travel conditions to the public and coordinate multi-agency operations for large pre-planned events and emergencies. The Incident Response program provides quick response to help safely clear disabled vehicles and collisions in the most congested section of state highways. The program reduces both traffic delay and the risk of secondary collisions. Low-cost enhancement projects are small-scale, low-cost projects that can be quickly implemented to address emerging safety or mobility issues. Typical low-cost enhancements are rumble strips, lane restriping, traffic signal upgrades and traffic control signs. Field assessments provide the resources to review all highway sections to identify performance gaps and near-term improvement opportunities. Outcomes of field assessment may include the development of low-cost enhancement projects through investments in other programs. The final key focus area for Traffic Operations is emerging transportation technology, including preparation for cooperative automated transportation (CAT) and automated speed and HOV compliance enforcement systems. The Traffic Operations – Capital program builds Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) projects that manage the highway system, improve commercial vehicle operations, provide traveler information and address safety and congestion relief. Examples of typical ITS projects include traffic cameras, ramp meters, data stations, hard shoulder running, variable speed systems and variable message signs. Projects also include commercial vehicle information systems and networks (CVISN), which supports the safe, legal and economical movement of freight. Commercial vehicles are electronically screened on the mainline in advance of weight stations; capturing truck weight, size, registrations and safety records.
Request 79,829,000
Net change from current biennium 30,581,771 Increase
Percent change from current biennium 62.1% Increase

Program Level Summary

Fund Title Actual Estimated Proposed
Actual Estimated Estimated Proposed Proposed
Motor Vehicle Account - Federal 970,221 948,696 266,443 1,025,000 1,025,000
Motor Vehicle Account - Private/Local 124,596 127,641 32,339 125,000 125,000
Motor Vehicle Account - State 34,955,576 34,805,712 13,066,398 38,182,000 38,107,000
State Route Number 520 Corridor Account - State 80,000 80,000
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project Account - State 540,000 540,000
Annual Total 36,050,393 35,882,049 13,365,180 39,952,000 39,877,000

Operating Budget: Change from Preceding Biennium

Actual Estimated Proposed
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
8,270,322 13.9% (18,318,379) (27.1%) 30,581,771 62.1%

Employment Summary

  Actual Estimated Proposed
  2018-19 Actual 2019-20 Estimated 2020-21 Estimated 2021-22 Proposed 2022-23 Proposed
FTE Staff Years 256.8 265.4 243.0 265.2 269.5