INDIANAPOLIS – It won’t be long before Indianapolis drivers get their first taste of ramp metering.
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, new technology will regulate the flow of ramp traffic merging onto I-465 beginning in early May. Drivers will see the changes on the southeast side at the following locations:
- Emerson Ave.
- Southeastern Ave.
- Shadeland Ave.
- Brookville Rd./US 52
- Washington St./US 40
INDOT picked the southeast corridor because of its tendency to get backed up, especially during rush hour.
“We have seen that this area needs some significant help with traffic flow,” said Kyleigh Cramer, public relations director for INDOT. “This will assist with traffic flow and the congestion that we see on this side of 465.”
Using sensors on the road, the system will control the frequency of vehicles entering the interstate to match capacity. It will be used only during peak driving times and when crashes slow down traffic. It's part of a series of strategies called Transportation Systems Management (TSMO).
Interstate ramps will have traffic signals telling drivers when they can merge onto the interstate. Like a typical traffic light, green means drivers can merge, while red means they should wait.
When ramp metering is not in use, the signal will flash yellow, meaning drivers can merge at their discretion. INDOT said, if the ramp gets full while metering is in use, the system will adapt to let traffic on at an increased rate, preventing ramp traffic from spilling out onto roads.
Ramp metering is part of a seven-year pilot program that cost about $9 million and includes more than 60 variable speed limit signs. Cramer said I-80/I-94 in the Chicago area will also get ramp metering, which has also been implemented successfully in neighboring states like Michigan and Illinois.
"This is the first time we're seeing this in Indiana," she said.
Indiana State Police acknowledged that the system is new and will give drivers a grace period to adjust. But as drivers get used to it, merging on a red light could result in a ticket.
“It’s new to everybody here in Indiana, and we want to help in an education phase,” said First Sergeant Brent Gulinson with Indiana State Police.
“In the areas where ramp metering is in place, we have a lot of congestion, especially during our peak travel times. It’s helping essentially dose traffic in to help people merge more safely," Gulinson said.
“We’re asking the public that are already on the interstate to allow these people to merge. That’s another side of it that we need help with, so we’re not dealing with extra backups and more road rage situations. Just be courteous to each other, allowing each other to merge.”
Ramp metering lights should be treated like any other traffic signal, Gulinson said.
“Be patient. Be courteous. Obey them as you would any other traffic light. Red means stop. Green means go. Don’t try to follow the car ahead of you; they’re there for a reason.”
Right now, the traffic lights and signs are covered. That will all change in the days to come. According to Cramer, lights on the ramps will begin blinking yellow on April 29. About a week after that--on or after May 6--ramp metering begins, with red or green lights active during peak travel times.
The intention is for cars to enter one at a time, although the system is adaptable to let more vehicles through when necessary, Cramer said.
Ramp metering isn’t the only change drivers will soon see. This summer, the southeast 465 corridor will also see Variable Speed Limits, which will adjust to account for traffic flow, crashes, road hazards, work zones and weather conditions.
INDOT said speed limits will drop or increase in increments of 5 mph in an effort to reduce crashes and increase safety. Dynamic message signs will also be in use to keep drivers apprised of road conditions and changes in traffic flow.
“[The system] will actually adjust the speed limit for the public and adapt to the public’s traffic flow,” Cramer said. “This will be helpful and working side-by-side with the ramp metering to make sure the flow is also helping out and assisting with making sure the merging is strategic.”
You can learn more about ramp metering and other changes at INDOT’s website.