The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have activated the final part of the US state’s Interstate 15 (I-15) Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) project.

The ICM project will use a system of 40 specially-designated alternate route signs, electronic freeway signs, and coordinated traffic signal and ramp metres to allow drivers to find a way to avoid major incidents that occur on the freeway.

The ICM system spans a 20 mile stretch of I-15 from just the north of State Route 52 in San Diego to SR 78 in Escondido.

"These important steps on Interstate 15 will lead to even more effective use of innovations that are still to come."

The system, designed to guide drivers regarding major incidents when they occur on I-15, has been activated by turning on its coordinated alternate route technology.

County Board of Supervisors chair and SANDAG Board chair Ron Roberts said: "Our region is a leader in taking advantage of technology to make our transportation system more efficient.

"These important steps on Interstate 15 will lead to even more effective use of innovations that are still to come."

In case of any road incident, a message will be displayed on the electronic freeway signs to warn the drivers.

The message will offer additional route options for commuters to choose an alternate route, designated by signs labelled A through W.

SANDAG director of operations Ray Traynor said: "For example, an electronic freeway sign might tell drivers to exit at Carmel Mountain Road and follow the signs labeled F.

"By following those signs, drivers will find traffic lights are coordinated along that route to get them back on to the I-15 as quickly as possible."

The system’s real-time data and traffic management will help reduce road congestion and allow drivers to decide when to take a different route.

It also guides them through traffic congestion with the least amount of impact to local streets.