NOVI, Mich. - Ramp metering is scheduled to begin this month at the following eight entrance ramps along the I-96 Flex Route between Novi and Milford roads in Oakland County:
Ramp meters have been used in many other states to reduce crashes and improve travel times by controlling the flow of traffic entering the freeway. By breaking up platoons of entering traffic, the need for drivers already on the freeway to slow down is reduced and vehicles can merge more smoothly onto the freeway.
Beginning 6 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, ramp meters will start going into operation individually over the next couple weeks in yellow flash mode. When the ramp meters are in full operation when freeway traffic is slower and congested, they will use the traditional green/yellow/red pattern on traffic signals.
MDOT has posted a video on its YouTube channel showing drivers how ramp meters work. When approaching an active ramp meter, drivers will need to:
- Form two lanes on the ramp.
- Stop at the white line.
- Wait your turn for a green light at the ramp meter to proceed onto the freeway. Ramp meters to the right and left of the ramp will alternate green signals, allowing one vehicle at a time to merge onto the freeway.
When the system is active, not stopping for the red light on a ramp meter is considered a traffic violation, the same as running a red light on a traditional traffic signal. When the system is not active, the ramp meters will flash yellow and drivers can merge onto the freeway as normal, without stopping.
Learn more about freeway ramp metering on the Federal Highway Administration website.
