Va. ends variable speed test at Wilson Bridge
The state of Virginia has just called a halt to a pilot project near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge under which it employed variable speed limits set using electronic signage. The default speed limit in the Wilson Bridge area will revert to the previous 55 mph.
Virginia officials are being coy about whether they regard the experiment as a success. John Undeland, a spokesman for the bridge project, said authorities will evaluate the results and hope to make them public this spring. The devices had been in full-time use since May on the stretch between the Potomac and the Springfield interchange.
If the test is judged a success, it could lead to a widespread adoption of such speed controls in the region.
Comments
I apparently missed this the first time around. Was the experiment with higher speeds some of the time, or lower speeds?
Posted by: Hal Laurent | February 19, 2010 10:02 PM
In responce to Hal, it was to lower speeds, they never went above 55, but there were a few times I drove down to the area where they were at 50 and once I saw them at 45, usually around rushhour as if to slow traffic down before coming to a jam, rather than having people go from 55+ directly into a jam. I also remember it raining one day when it was reduced to 50mph. There are too many exit ramps and congestion to ever see the limit raised over 55 in that area.
Posted by: BB | February 23, 2010 8:33 AM
Why is VA controlling the Wilson Bridge?
Posted by: bryanintowson | February 23, 2010 9:26 AM