Ramp Metering Strategies in the Twin Cities
An Effective Practice
Description
In the fall of the year 2000, a unique experiment was conducted in the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) region of Minnesota to answer questions regarding the ability of ramp metering strategies to reduce congestion and improve travel safety in the region.
Goal / Mission
The goal was to evaluate the regionwide impacts of turning off the ramp meters for a six-week period.
Results / Accomplishments
When the traffic conditions were compared, it was observed that there were 26 percent fewer crashes on the freeways and ramps when the ramp meters were working. The freeways also were observed to operate at higher speeds with ramp metering. This resulted in 14 percent faster throughput and 22 percent reduced travel times as a result of ramp metering.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration
Primary Contact
Brian J. Kary, MnDOT Freeway Operations Engineer
651-234-7022
brian.kary@state.mn.us
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/rampmeter/study.html
651-234-7022
brian.kary@state.mn.us
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/rampmeter/study.html
Topics
Community / Transportation
Community / Public Safety
Community / Public Safety
Organization(s)
United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration
Date of publication
7/19/2004
Date of implementation
2000
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Minneapolis/St. Paul region of Minnesota
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