SAN DIEGO -- A project to improve traffic management technology on Interstate 15 is the recipient of an $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, it was announced Monday.

The funds, through the DOT's Integrated Corridor Management Initiative, will be used to install "intelligent" transportation systems along Interstate 15, including road sensors, traffic prediction and simulation tools and traveler information, in an effort to reduce congestion, according to the San Diego Association of Governments.

"I-15 is already one of the smartest freeway corridors in the world, and it's about to get smarter," said Gary Gallegos, SANDAG's executive director.

"Our partnership will use these funds to deploy technology that will upgrade and integrate our traffic management systems -- improving the flow on the freeway and nearby surface streets," he said.

The grant was awarded to a partnership that includes SANDAG, the California Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transit System, the North County Transit District and the cities of San Diego, Escondido and Poway.

SANDAG will pay the remaining $2.1 million cost of the $10.8 million project.