The Kirkland City Council authorized staff to request bids for Kirkland’s Intelligent Transportation (ITS) Project on Sept. 16. A total of 13 traffic signals will be upgraded allowing for the optimization of the signal timing along two corridors and traffic flow monitoring in real time.

Improved traffic signal timing is designed to reduce traffic congestion and delays and contribute to improved air quality. The Lake Washington Boulevard/Market Street/98th Street/100th Avenue Northeast Corridor from State Route 520/Northup Way to Northeast 132nd Street and the Central Way/Northeast 85th Street Corridor from Lake Street to 132nd Avenue Northeast will both see improvements.

The current engineer’s estimate for the traffic signal and communication is $525,875.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) will be installed at signalized intersection crosswalks as part of Phase I. The APS element is an integrated device that communicates information about the “Walk/Don’t Walk” intervals in non-visual formats for pedestrians who have difficulty seeing.

Earlier this year, a conference room at City Hall was converted into the city’s TMC (Traffic Management Center) which is operated by the Public Works Department/Transportation Engineering Division. When ITS Phase I and II are implemented a total of 40 traffic signal locations will be connected with the city’s TMC.

For more information on the ITS Project, visit www.kirklandwa.gov and search Intelligent Transportation System.