INDIANAPOLIS – Getting onto I-465 will change starting this week, when ramp metering begins at several onramps.
The Indiana Department of Transportation said ramp metering will begin “on or after” Tuesday, May 14, at multiple 465 ramps on the southeast side of the city.
Sensors will monitor traffic and control the frequency of vehicles entering the interstate to match capacity. INDOT said the system will be used during peak driving times—think morning and evening rush hours—and when crashes have a significant impact on traffic flow.
Interstate ramps have traffic signals telling drivers when they can merge onto the interstate. They work like a typical traffic light—with green meaning drivers can proceed and red meaning they should wait.
When ramp metering is not in use, the signals will flash yellow, meaning drivers can get onto the interstate at their discretion. INDOT said the system will adapt to let traffic on at an increased rate if a ramp gets full when the system is in use.
Drivers will see the changes at the following locations:
- Emerson Ave.
- Southeastern Ave.
- Shadeland Ave.
- Brookville Rd./US 52
- Washington St./US 40
INDOT picked the I-465 southeast corridor because of its tendency to get backed up.
Indiana State Police said ramp metering lights should be treated like any other traffic signal; state troopers will give drivers a grace period so they can get used to the new system. Eventually, however, disregarding ramp metering lights could result in a ticket.
This isn’t the only change drivers will see along the interstate. This summer, the southeast 465 corridor will see Variable Speed Limits, which will adjust speeds to account for traffic flow, crashes, road hazards, work zones and weather conditions.