Ramp Metering

Installing ramp meters on I-435 will decrease the number of sudden weaving and braking moments that happen as vehicles merge from onto the freeway from the on-ramps. It will also reduce accidents and allow more vehicles to smoothly drive along the freeway. By regulating the flow of cars, ramp meters actually allow more cars to use the freeway.

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On I-435 between Metcalf Avenue and the Three Trails Memorial Crossing (formerly the Grandview Triangle).

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A total of seven on-ramps will be metered on I-435 between Metcalf Avenue and the Three Trails Memorial Crossing (formerly the Grandview Triangle). Metered ramps include: I-435 at Metcalf Avenue, Nall Avenue, Roe Avenue, State Line Road, Wornall Road, Holmes Road, and 103rd/104th St Connector.

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Ramp meters work and look similar to traffic signals. Drivers must consider and obey them as they would other traffic signals. A red light means stop, a green light allows vehicles to proceed down the ramp and merge onto the freeway. The meters monitor and control traffic entering the freeway during the morning and afternoon commutes.

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Approximately one minute or so. The meters are timed according to current freeway traffic conditions. Detectors installed in the pavement measure traffic flow and vehicle speeds. The results are used to determine the best rate at which vehicles can enter the freeway. Better traffic flow once on the road actually reduces your overall commute time.

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No. The ramp meters are designed to turn off if the number of cars waiting on the ramp grows to the point where they back up onto city streets. The meters will turn back on once the ramp queue is reduced to a reasonable level.

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Flashing lights located near the ramp entrance alert motorists that the ramp is being metered and that they should be prepared to stop. Signs and road striping also indicate where to stop and how to proceed.

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No. The meters will only be turned on Monday through Friday during the morning and evening rush hours when the pavement sensors detect traffic congestion at the ramps.

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No. The meters work and look similar to traffic signals. Drivers must obey and consider them as they would other traffic signals.

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Yes. Ramp meter signals include adequate shoulder width for emergency vehicles to pass vehicle queues and access the freeway in emergency situations.

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Yes. Ramp meters are used in most major metropolitan areas across the country including Milwaukee, Seattle-Tacoma, Portland, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Denver, Chicago, and many other cities.

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The I-435 ramp meters will be the newest addition to the KC Scout system and will be the first in the Kansas City Metro Area. Installing meters on I-435 will introduce the concept of ramp metering to Kansas City drivers. Successful implementation of the program could lead to the installation of ramp meters on other Kansas City freeways.

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