INDIANAPOLIS — You might have noticed something different during your Tuesday commute. INDOT activated several ramp meters on the southeast side of Interstate 465.
The traffic lights were installed last year and will regulate when you can merge onto the interstate.
The technology is part of the I-465 Southeast Transportation Systems Management Operations project.
The goal is to improve traffic flow and safety along the busy corridor.
Here’s how the ramp meters will work:
- Ramps meters are installed on I-465 between I-65 and I-70.
- They will be activated during peak travel times or if there is a crash.
- Sensors in the pavement will determine when you can merge.
- The light will cycle between red and green to indicate when cars can merge. One car will go at a time.
- When the meter is not in use, the signal will flash yellow.
- If the ramp gets full while the meter is in use, the signal will adapt to traffic conditions and increase the rate at which the signal allows cars to merge.
On Tuesday, INDOT said drivers were not pulling up far enough to activate the signal. The department said you need to pull up to the white line when the signal is red.
Extra mobile signs were added near the ramp meters to inform drivers.
The rollout also includes more than 60 variable speed limit signs. The digital signs are posted every half-mile on both sides of I-465. They will increase or decrease by five miles per hour, depending on the traffic.
Additional “dynamic message signs” are also added to the corridor to give real-time traffic alerts and information.
This is the first time ramp meters are being used in Indiana. Indiana State Police plans to educate drivers first before enforcing the new traffic law.
Click here for more information on ramp meters.