Ramp meters that help improve the flow of freeway traffic while creating safer merging conditions are scheduled to be turned on at several on-ramps along the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) in Scottsdale on Tuesday, May 13th. The ramp meters have been installed at both northbound & southbound entrance ramps & will be activated during morning & evening commute times, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
The northbound ramp meters will be activated at Thomas Road, Chaparral Road, McDonald Drive, Via de Ventura, 90th Street, Shea Boulevard, Bell Road & Union Hills Drive.
The southbound ramp meters are located at Princess Drive, Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Raintree Drive, Cactus Road, Shea Boulevard, 90th Street, Via de Ventura, Indian Bend Road, McDonald Drive, Chaparral Road & Indian School Road.
Many of the ramp meters will be activated during both the morning commute from 6 to 9 am & during the evening commute from 3 to 7 pm. However, all new ramp meters will switch to operating just once a day—either only in the morning or at night—once construction of new HOV lanes on Loop 101 is complete early next year.
Additionally, a ramp meter will be activated May 13th, on Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) in the Northwest Valley. The meter will be activated during the morning rush hour on the eastbound entrance ramp at 75th Avenue. More ramp meters will be installed on the Agua Fria Freeway within the next 2 years.
Ramp meters are an important safety feature on Valley freeways. The meters regulate space between cars & allow drivers to merge easier onto the freeway. This prevents congestion in the right lanes, along with preventing some crashes. Drivers also experience better traffic flow when entering the freeway.
As with any new device, there may be a period of adjustment for both the timing of the meters & the comfort of drivers using the meters. ADOT will be regularly monitoring the performance of the ramp meters, especially during the first few days of activation & will adjust the timing as needed. Drivers with comments about meter performance can call ADOT at (602) 712-7355.
The ramp meters are part of a $47.4 million Loop 101 project in the Scottsdale area that will add 15 miles of new carpool lanes & other improvements between Princess Drive & the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The entire project is expected to be complete in early 2009.