OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – All ramp metering signals along the I-96 Flex Route went into effect on Wednesday.
Since June, eight entrance ramps to I-96 have already implemented ramp metering on the freeway. But starting on Sept. 3, all entrance ramps to the flex route will have the ramp metering signals in use.
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What is ramp metering?
Ramp metering is traffic signals on freeway entrance ramps to manage cars merging onto the freeway. Each metered ramp includes the following:
- Flashing yellow signs to let drivers know ramp metering is active
- Car sensors to adjust ramp metering signals
- Signs instructing drivers to safely form two lanes as they approach meter signals
- A stop car, where cars should be prepared to stop
- Two signals on each side of the ramp with signs
They are programmed to change from yellow to red/green only when I-96 traffic is going slower than 60 mph.
Why is there ramp metering?
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, ramp metering can help assist merging traffic when the freeway is congested, reduce stop-and-go traffic and crashes, and improve traffic flow.
For a visual example of how ramp metering works, MDOT posted a YouTube video. You can watch it below: