New Scout Message Boards Go Up In Northland

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO. – In its unswerving effort to provide Kansas City commuters with a the most extensive real-time traffic management system in the Midwest region, KC Scout continues to expand into the northland. Three new dynamic message signs (boards) were installed this week along I-435 north of I-70. The two new southbound I-29 message boards (Platte City and just north of I-635) were installed yesterday and the southbound I-435message board south of Hwy. 152 will be installed today. Next week the contractor will be removing the eastbound I-70 DMS board from the Benton Curve and moving it to southbound I-35 north of I-435. The contractor is going to be delayed by LightCore's fiber splicing so these DMS boards and the new cameras will not be operational until April.

This is a part of Scout’s northland expansion project which will eventually see new cameras and signs along I-35 from I-29 to Hwy. 152 in Liberty and along I-29 from Parvin Road to a few miles north of the I-635 interchange. Scout is also working hard to upgrade the old Highway Advisory Radio transmitters and beacons so those devices will be able to give up to date information in future. MoDOT will also install a few devices along I-29 near Platte City the area where I-435 ties into I-29 north of the airport can be monitored as well.

KC Scout Lights Up New Ramp Meter Signals

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – Ramp Meters, Kansas City Scout’s latest tool to ease congestion along the south I-435 corridor will go into effect on November 24, 2009. Ramp meters, special traffic signals that regulate the rate at which vehicles enter the freeway from the on-ramps have been installed on the south I-435 corridor between Metcalf Avenue and the Three Trails Memorial Crossing (formerly the Grandview Triangle). Testing of the system will occur Thursday evening November 19 from 11 pm to around 2 am Friday morning.

According to Jason Sims, Manager of Kansas City Scout, "The nation’s economic outlook has hit all governmental agencies hard, specifically the Departments of Transportation. Through Scout’s Ramp Metering initiative MoDOT and KDOT are utilizing low cost technology solutions to maximize the flow on the highway system and reduce accidents, with accident reduction being the number one goal."

The meters are a part of what is called a "smart system" and will only turn on during the peak rush hour periods when traffic conditions or congestion warrants them. With the launch of the meters coming during a holiday work week which usually sees a lighter flow of traffic the system may not activate until traffic patterns return to normal the following week.

KC Scout To Test New Ramp Meter Signals

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – The new Scout ramp meters will be uncovered (but remain dark) during the day this Thursday, November 12th. The meters will remain dark except for some minor testing which will occur overnight Thursday night into Friday morning starting around 11 pm until approximately 3 am. The testing will be on various ramps, additionally new onramp striping will also be occurring over the next week.

Scout plans to launch the ramp meters within the upcoming weeks.