The latest traffic technology aimed at increasing safety and reducing collisions is being tested on SR 520.

The tests, which began September 10, are of new electronic signs installed on SR 520 between 130th Ave Northeast in Bellevue and I-5 in Seattle.

Drivers can expect to see a series of test sequences – symbols or letters – on the new electronic signs during testing. Drivers do not need to take any action when they see the test sequences on the signs. Traffic engineers need to test the new signs to make sure they are ready for around-the-clock operations.

The testing is a visible heads up to drivers that the signs should be activated later this fall.

This latest addition of smarter highways technology is part of the SR 520/I-90 Active Traffic Management Project which adds electronic speed-limit and lane status signs to SR 520 and I-90 between Bellevue and Seattle. The signs will alert drivers to reduce their speed or change lanes when there are collisions or backups on the road.