KC Scout ramp metering program on I-435
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Ramp Metering 2010 Evaluation Report
Summary Information
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) implemented the Kansas City (KC) Scout ramp metering pilot program to improve safety and traffic flow on a seven mile section of I-435 between Metcalf Avenue and the Three Trails Memorial Crossing. A total of seven interchanges were equipped with ramp metering systems designed to regulate on-ramp traffic volumes in response to prevailing freeway traffic conditions and reduce sudden weaving and braking movements adjacent to on-ramps to smooth traffic flow and increase throughput and safety.
METHODOLOGY
Travel time surveys were used to evaluate vehicle speeds and travel times on I-435 before and after ramp meters were installed. The before data were calculated in 2007 and the after data were collected in 2010, after ramp meters were operational for more than six months. Evaluators used the floating car method to determine average vehicle speeds during morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) and afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) peak periods in eastbound and westbound directions.
FINDINGS
Speeds increased on several freeway segments and decreased on others.
- Most notable increases were observed on I-435 between the State Line Road and Wornall Road interchanges.
- The most notable decreases were observed in the eastbound direction during afternoon peak periods.
- Although some freeway segments experienced improved freeway speeds and others did not the net overall effect resulted in improved travel times after ramp meters were installed.
