Highway near Bend tries new variable speed limit signs

(NOVEMBER 4, 2022) Drivers near Bend might see something new: variable speed limit signs throughout a 10-mile stretch of highway U.S. 97.

These new digital signs replace the standard black-and-white speed limit signs that people are used to seeing along the highway. Additional speed limit signs will be located over the road. There are seven sign locations on both directions of U.S. 97 from just south of Bend.

The new speed signs have a key benefit: speed limits that can be adjusted based on road and weather conditions. Computers analyze data from several weather stations along the 10-mile stretch. They measure factors like road surface traction, humidity, temperature, and visibility. The computers lower speed limits in poor weather conditions. When conditions improve, speed limits are raised again.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), federal highway data show variable speed limits reduce the number and severity of crashes, especially during bad weather. Over 40% of the crashes on this section of U.S. 97 involve a driver who was going too fast for conditions. If this test of technology is successful, then ODOT hopes to expand this technology further south on U.S. 97.