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Friday, May 4, 2007
Stop For The Red Light On I-95
If the idea of toll lanes on I-95 has your toes curling, how’s this one sound:
Traffic signals on the highway’s entrance ramps.
The state is working with consultants to refine a plan for ramp metering on I-95 in the Miami and may have it ready for use later this year.
Ramp meters are essentially red-and-green signals that control the flow of traffic entering the highway. They’re already used in other parts of the country.
Sensors measure the speed of traffic on I-95 and the volume of traffic, both on the highway and the entrance ramp. Computer software processes the information to determine the rate that drivers can get on I-95.
The intent is to keep traffic flowing and eliminate as much congestion as possible. The signals can be set at different intervals, depending on the time of day.
One of the benefits is to reduce crashes at ramp merges, making it easier for motorists to get on the highway.
As we all know, many drivers find it beneath their dignity to merge, so the idea has plenty of detractors.
The plan is to put meters on 22 ramps between Ives Dairy Road and Northwest 62nd Street.
This is in the same area where the state will be testing the High-Occupancy toll lanes.
Drivers will have the choice of using the toll lanes on a 22-mile stretch between I-595 in Fort Lauderdale and I-375 in Miami. By keeping traffic moving at speeds of at least 50 mph, commuters could cut their travel time in half.
Tolls would vary throughout the day, depending on demand. They would be $1 a mile during rush-hour and 15 cents late at night.
