Ramp meters? What’s that? Well it’s not a new concept, but it sure is a foriegn concept in Louisiana.

A ramp meter is a red light located ON the entrance/on ramp to the interstate.

It’s purpose: To stop each car for a 2 – 4 second interval.

The concept: By creating a gap between each car, traffic can merge and flow smoother onto the interstate.

Also by putting a gap in-between each car you don’t have a constant line trying to merge which creates a big slow down to the hundreds already on the interstate.

A good concept actually, but will it work here? I think that at first people will not know what to think of this new found light…esp with it being about a quarter of the way to half way up the on-ramp.

As much as I’ve travelled I have only seen ramp meters in one other city – Minneapolis. Our DOTD secretary said these are usually used in major metropolitan areas, but he wants to prove that there are other methods, besides widening, to help traffic. A good idea, but here in Baton Rouge we cant afford to minimize the emphasis on widening clogged roads.

Ones first though would be: “Wouldn’t this clog up the surface streets with cars waiting to get on the interstate?” DOTD already figured this out. There would be sensors placed in certain areas and if traffic gets to heavy the lights will shut off, or can adjust to shorter times (2 or 3 seconds).

The ramp meters would run during peak times in the morning and evening. If all goes according to plan there should be 16 ramp meters at 9 intersections.