I-435 “ramp meters” will be activated on Tuesday, Nov. 24

By BRAD COOPER

The Kansas City Star

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The red-and-green signals posted on the Interstate 435 entrance ramps from Overland Park to south Kansas City will be turned on Nov. 24, officials announced today.

Engineers will put the so-called ramp meters through their final tests around 11 p.m. Thursday. Barring an unforeseen glitch, the meters, which look like traffic signals, will be flipped on before the morning rush hour on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

The signals regulate the flow of traffic onto I-435 by releasing one or two vehicles every few seconds onto the interstate.

The goal is to break up clusters of vehicles trying to force their way onto the interstate at one time, causing slowdowns and crashes on the freeway. You may wait or minute or two on the ramp.

The meters will operate only during rush hour and only then when congestion on I-435 builds to certain levels. Engineers say the meters might not operate that frequently next week, since rush-hour traffic may be light before the holiday.

Bear in mind that ramp meters are considered traffic control devices, so you risk getting a ticket for running a red light.

Police departments in the affected cities — Kansas City, Leawood and Overland Park — say they will write tickets to violators. However, Leawood has indicated it would allow for a grace period since the meters might confuse drivers at first.

To reach Brad Cooper call 816-234-7724 or send e-mail to bcooper@kcstar.com

Posted on Mon, Nov. 16, 2009 12:14 PM

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