Date:  Friday, July 06, 2007

Contact:
Steve Kim, Region Traffic Engineer, (360) 357-2670
Lisa Murdock, Communications Manager, (360) 357-2789

TACOMA – Activation of traffic signals next week at several State Route 16 on-ramps allows engineers to test new ramp-metering and data-collection equipment.

Testing takes place during off-peak hours on Tuesday and Wednesday and during peak hours on Thursday and Friday. The impact on ramp traffic is expected to be minimal.

Eastbound ramp meters at Jackson and Union avenues and Pearl, Orchard and Center streets will be tested. The new meters will be used as needed to help manage and reduce traffic congestion throughout the SR 16 corridor.

Using ramp meters to control the intervals at which vehicles merge onto the freeway has proven to be a cost-effective method of relieving traffic congestion and reducing collisions. Backups and collisions are often the result of multiple vehicles merging simultaneously onto a highway.

With so many major changes happening along the corridor – from the new Narrows Bridge to tolling and HOV lanes – there’s a lot for drivers to get used to. Ramp-metering is just one of many transportation improvements aimed at keeping traffic moving in Pierce County, where the population has increased by 90,000 people, about 13 percent since 2000.

Along with the new bridge and HOV lanes linking Tacoma and Gig Harbor, WSDOT has improved the highway with wider lanes, shoulders and better ramps and merge lanes.

SR 16 also has new intelligent transportation systems – including overhead electronic signs and traffic cameras – that will enhance communication, safety and traffic flow.

For more information, please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/congestion/rampmeters.

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