Drivers along State Route 516 in Kent will notice new signs that use flashing amber lights to warn drivers when a traffic signal is about to change from green to red.
The state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) installed the signs along State Route 516 (also known as the Kent Des Moines Road) at Military Road and Reith Road.
The signs, which were activated Monday, are in effort to reduce high-speed rear-end collisions.
“We’ve seen a reduction in collisions in other areas of the state with these advanced warning signs,” said WSDOT traffic engineer Mike Swires in a media release. “We think these could make a difference in this area as well.”
Drivers traveling the posted speed limit who see the flashing amber lights will not make the green light down the road.
The state also installed the signs at three locations in Snohomish County.
The cost of the safety enhancements at these five locations is just under $167,000.
“This is a great example of how we work to reduce the risk of collisions with our limited funds,” Swires said.
WSDOT will continue to gather data from these locations, but needs three years to paint a clearer picture of any success in reducing accidents.
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