SR 16 Traffic Realities in the Midst of Bridge Construction

In the face of this construction truism, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge project team has taken steps to manage traffic flow and help the highway function as best it can. In fall 2005, WSDOT installed five eastbound ramp signals (or meters) between SR 302 and the bridge to keep peak hour traffic moving. The major goal of ramp metering is to keep the freeway moving at a reasonable speed.

Regulating traffic flow
During the weekdays from about 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., eastbound motorists who enter SR 16 pause at lighted signals (ramp meters) at the Purdy, Burnham, Wollocett, Olympic and 36th Street ramps. The stop-and-go signals will direct drivers to pause on red, and merge with traffic on the green. The major goal of ramp metering is to keep the freeway moving at a reasonable speed. Drivers experience the most benefit from this tool when meters begin operating before congestion even starts.

On the Peninsula, ramp metering is one in a series of tools WSDOT has introduced to both improve traffic flow and provide peak-hour drivers with real-time information. Since September 2004, the highway-advisory radio, or HAR transmitter, at Olympic Drive broadcasts information on traffic revisions, SR 16 road conditions and more. Soon, traffic cameras will allow drivers to check out corridor conditions (eastbound) before walking out the door.

Going with the flow
Ramp meters, used extensively along the Interstate 5 corridor, control the rate at which vehicles enter the flow of traffic on the freeway. Traffic studies show that metered ramps along the SR 16 corridor between SR 302 (Purdy) and 36th Street N.W. will reduce individuals’ travel time between any (and all) of five ramps and the west side bridge approach. This time savings includes the period a driver waits at the ramp signal.

Vehicles merging on to the freeway that are spaced apart cause less disruption to traffic on the mainline. Ramp meters respond to actual traffic conditions along the corridor. Drivers won’t wait any longer to merge onto the freeway than necessary. A central computer adjusts the rate at which the meter turns “green” and, alternately, “red” based on traffic volume and speeds. Importantly, the ramp meter speeds up to clear the queue if and when cars begin to back up onto the city street.

Merging is a breeze
Merging onto a heavily traveled freeway — SR 16, certainly fits the bill — with the help of ramp meter is easy and painless.

• Pull up to the stop bar (the painted, white line) which triggers a computer to change the light from red to green.
• Use both lanes on the ramp (if two exist) as it improves traffic flow.

For the time being, the eastbound-metered ramps will not have carpool bypass lanes. However, once the parallel bridges and roadway are in final configuration, WSDOT plans to introduce carpool (HOV) bypass lanes at Olympic Drive and 36th Street. As improvements along the SR 16 corridor go, ramp meters between Purdy (302) and 36th Street NW and future meters at freeway entrances east of the Narrows Bridges, will be key to enhancing traffic flow during those peak travel times.

» Frequently Asked Questions about SR 16 Ramp Metering

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