OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Ramp metering is scheduled to begin Wednesday at eight I-96 entrance ramps in Oakland County.
What is it?
Ramp metering aims to reduce crashes and improve travel times by controlling the rate of vehicles entering the freeway using a traffic signal.
Starting at 6 a.m., Wednesday, June 18, ramp meters will go into operation at the following locations:
- Southbound Milford Road to eastbound I-96
- Southbound Milford Road to westbound I-96
- Northbound Milford Road to eastbound I-96
- Wixom Road to westbound I-96
- Southbound Novi Road to eastbound I-96
- Southbound Novi Road to westbound I-96
- Northbound Novi Road to eastbound I-96
- Northbound Novi Road to westbound I-96
How it works
Starting June 18, ramp meters will gradually become operational in yellow flash mode before transitioning to the green/yellow/red pattern during congested freeway conditions.
When flashing yellow, the system is inactive and drivers can merge onto I-96 without stopping.
When approaching an active ramp meter, drivers will need to form two lanes on the ramp, stop at the white line and wait their turn for a green light at the ramp meter to proceed onto the freeway.
The ramp meters will alternate green signals for each lane on the ramp, allowing one vehicle at a time to merge onto the freeway.
When the system is active, failing to stop for a red light at a ramp meter is treated as a traffic violation -- just like running a red light at a traditional signal.
MDOT has posted a video online showcasing how ramp meters work in motion.