Ramp MeteringOn‐LineOn‐Line 

Public Meeting

1 of 24

What You Can Do– Click the navigation buttons in the lower‐right corner of eachClick the navigation buttons in the lower right corner of each slide to move through the presentation.

Ask us Tell us what you think about the strategies Click the– Ask us, Tell us what you think about the strategies.  Click the “Blog” button to comment.

Cli k th “E M il” b tt t d ti d/ t– Click the “E‐Mail” button to send questions and/or comments directly to Kansas City Scout.

Cli k h “ Q ” b f l k d i d– Click the “FAQs” button to see frequently asked questions and answers about the project.

2 of 24

What’s Happening• Ramp Metering:Ramp Metering:

What KC Scout’s Doing to Improve Your Commute

• How It  Works

• Who Else Uses ItWho Else Uses It

• What’s Next

• Find Out More

3 of 24

The I‐435 Commute• How would you describe your daily I‐435How would you describe your daily I 435 commute?

4 of 24

The I‐435 Commute• Do you find yourself• Do you find yourself…  

– Suddenly switching lanes or hitting your brakes to make room for other vehicles?

Sitting in stop and go– Sitting in stop‐and‐go traffic thinking an accident must be ahead only to find it’s just a busy on‐ramp?

5 of 24

The I‐435 Commute• KC Scout has a tool that will help reduce yourKC Scout has a tool that will help reduce your freeway frustration:  Ramp Meters!

6 of 24

Ramp Metering• KC Scout will installKC Scout will install ramp meters along          I‐435 between Metcalf Avenue and the Three Trails Memorial Crossing (f l th G d i(formerly the Grandview Triangle).

I-435 ramp metering is shown in black.

7 of 24

Ramp Metering• The meters will add to• The meters will add to     KC Scout’s existing transportation management systemmanagement system, which is designed to:– Lessen traffic jams by 

improving rush hour speedsimproving rush hour speeds.– Increase safety by decreasing 

the number of rush hour accidents.accidents.

– Improve emergency response and accident clearance times. KC Scout’s existing system is shown in black.

8 of 24

Ramp Metering• The Missouri and Kansas 

Departments of Transportation jointly operate KC Scout using cameras, pavement sensors, and large electronic message boards gto communicate traffic messages and travel times to drivers. 

9 of 24

Ramp Metering• The I‐435 ramp meters will be the newestThe I 435 ramp meters will be the newest addition to the KC Scout system and will be the first in the Kansas City Metro Area.

10 of 24

Ramp Metering• Ramp metering will helpRamp metering will help decrease traffic congestion by maximizing the flow of traffic on I‐435.

11 of 24

Ramp Metering• Maximizing the flowmeans that you will notice:Maximizing the flowmeans that you will notice:

– Smoother and safer freeway entries.

– Fewer instances of sudden weaving and braking.

– More consistent traffic flows.

– Shorter periods of congestion.

– Faster freeway speeds.

– Decreased travel times.

12 of 24

How It Works• Flashing lights located g gon the ramp alert motorists that the ramp meter is on and theymeter is on and they should be prepared to stop.p

• Signs and road striping also indicate where to stop and how to proceed.

13 of 24

How It Works• Ramp meters work and lookRamp meters work and look similar to traffic signals.  – Drivers must consider and obey them as they would other traffic symbols.

A red light means stop a green– A red light means stop, a green light allows cars to proceed.

– By regulating the flow of cars, ramp meters actually allow more cars to use the freeway.

14 of 24

How It Works• The meters are timed according to current freeway traffic conditions, so you , ycould wait on the ramp about one minute before proceeding.before proceeding.  – However, better traffic flow once on the freeway actuallyfreeway actuallyreduces your overall commute time!

15 of 24

How It Works• Depending on the location, ramp meters onDepending on the location, ramp meters on        I‐435 will have one or two lanes.  Both scenarios permit one vehicle to proceed per green light per lane.

Single Lane, One Vehicle per Green Dual Lane, One Vehicle per Green

16 of 24

Single Lane Ramp Meter, One Vehicle per green light. Westbound WornallR d d tb dRoad and eastbound 104th Street are possible locations.

17 of 24

Dual-Lane Ramp Meter, alternating One Vehicle per green light per lanelight per lane. Westbound State Line Road is a potential location.

18 of 24

How It Works• Some locations will allow two vehicles per green p glight.  Signs will indicate the number of cars permitted per green.

Single-Lane, Two Vehicles per Green Dual-Lane, Two Vehicles per Green

19 of 24

Si l L RSingle Lane Ramp Meter, Two Vehicles per green light.

20 of 24

Dual Lane Ramp pMeter, alternating Two Vehicles per green light per lane. Metcalf Avenue

tb d teastbound meters will allow two cars per green.

21 of 24

Who Else Uses It• Ramp meters are currently used in most USRamp meters are currently used in most US metropolitan areas including Milwaukee, Portland, Seattle‐Tacoma, Phoenix, Minneapolis‐St. Paul, Denver, and more.

Portland, OregonMilwaukee, Wisconsin Phoenix, Arizona

22 of 24

What’s Next• Installing meters on I‐435Installing meters on I 435 will introduce the concept of ramp metering to Kansas City drivers. 

• Successful implementation of the pilot program could lead to the installation of ramp meters on otherramp meters on other Kansas City freeways. 

23 of 24

Your Comments Are Welcome• To share any additional thoughts you might have on the information 

presented today pleasepresented today please:

– Click the “Blog” or “E-Mail” buttons below.

• For more information on the I‐435 Ramp Metering Pilot Program:

– Visit www.kcscout.net/rampmetering

– Call KC Scout Community Relations Coordinator: • Gina Myles• (816) 622‐0322

– Write Kansas City Scout at:• 600 NE Colbern Road• Lee’s Summit, Missouri  64086

24 of 24