With metropolitan Seattle having the same #1 transportation problem as the rest of the U.S, namely traffic congestion, Delcan was commissioned in 2007 to conduct a full performance review of congestion management practices and policies and to propose measures that could be implemented within the next five years.

Analysis revealed that nearly 50% of Seattle freeway traffic was slowed to below 45 mph during afternoon peak hours. Furthermore, it was determined that general traffic congestion in the area made traveling so unpredictable that it impacted business productivity.

The Seattle Congestion Study identified 22 near-term solutions designed to relieve traffic delays by 15% to 20%, a reduction that would help not only the local economy, but the quality of life of residents as well. In addition, it would help the environment by reducing CO₂ emissions.

Fiscal analysis determined the recommendations, if implemented, would save the region more than $500 million a year in reduced delays and related costs alone. The Washington State Auditor corroborated the findings and estimated that carrying out Delcan’s recommendations would have a total value of $3 billion in economic impact to citizens, businesses and the environment.

Delcan’s work on the Seattle Congestion Study has created a new model for managing congestion, and the report has garnered widespread attention at many levels. In fact, Delcan has been asked to present project briefings to transportation officials at the national level, and the transferability of the project will be the topic of several sessions at the 2008 Intelligent Transportation Systems World Congress November 17-20 in New York City, NY. On the local level, traffic congestion is now a leading topic of discussion in the region and a focus of the 2008 local and state elections.