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.