Ramp Metering
A ramp meter is a set of traffic signals located on a freeway entrance ramp, usually located about halfway down the ramp. In most respects, it functions exactly like a normal traffic light. Their main purpose is to control traffic flow onto the freeway, in order to improve efficiency of the freeway itself. Studies have shown that ramp metering, when used properly, can reduce accidents, improve freeway speeds, and improve freeway capacity.
Most ramp meters are timed to allow one car per green light cycle. The timing system between green cycles is either preset at a specified time, or is tied to a centralized system that utilizes real-time traffic data and adjusts the cycles accordingly.
Benefits
- environmentally sound vehicular traffic in urban areas
- efficient traffic flow
- decline of peak time congestions on expressways
- maximum utilization of the traffic network capacity
- less congestions in the sub road network
- higher road safety
- less road accidents
Application range:
- Metering of the on-flowing vehicles
- Highway Traffic Management Integration possible
- Traffic Data Acquisition for statistcal aims and traffic control
