Q: With all the money the DOT spent to install red lights at the end of the entrance ramps, I’ve never seen one in use. Do they use them?
—Frank Tiberia, Alpharetta
A: The ramp meters typically are in use during the morning and evening rush hours, which generally are from 6:15-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. They also are programmed to run on the weekends, "if traffic gets heavy enough," Georgia DOT spokeswoman Natalie Dale told Q&A on the News in an email. The meters use sensors to determine traffic density, so they shut off if it's not heavy and turn on again if traffic increases. "On some Interstates, like I-20 East and West of downtown, this is sometimes only a couple of times a week," Dale wrote. "On other Interstates, like I-75/85 downtown, the meters are on nearly every single day." Also, if traffic is stopped, the meters lose their effectiveness and will shut off automatically.
Q: Does former President Jimmy Carter still teach Sunday school in his hometown of Plains?
—Eddie Webster, Douglasville
A: Carter, who is 89, teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter's schedule, which is posted on the church's website (mbcplains.org), states that he will teach on March 16 and every Sunday in April. Carter's class meets in the church's sanctuary, which has a capacity of 300 people. The fellowship hall provides an overflow if the sanctuary is full.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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