Before the year ends, INDOT will implement ramp metering on I-465

Indianapolis, Indiana – Soon, stop lights will be installed on a few of the I-465 on-ramps to regulate the number of vehicles entering the motorway during rush hour.

We refer to this as ramp metering. Before allowing a car to merge, sensors in the pavement on I-465 and the on-ramps regulate the lights. They detect when there is a pause in traffic. Only one vehicle is permitted to enter the highway when the light is green.

“If a gap in traffic is identified, the signal at the ramp will allow traffic to enter 465,” Garrett said. “Based on that real time data from the sensors, that’s what going to tell those signals to let traffic flow.”

In order to prevent vehicles from backing up onto the road, there is a signal at the end of the ramp.

On the southeast section of I-465, ramp metering will be installed at the following places, per INDOT:

• Emerson Ave.
• Southeastern Ave.
• Shadeland Ave.
• Brookville Rd./U.S. 52
• Washington St./U.S. 40

Director of strategic communications for INDOT is Natalie Garrett. She claimed that using these lights could increase safety.

“Those will control the frequency at which drivers can enter 465,” Garrett said. “They will be turned on during peak travel times. Think morning rush, evening rush. In between those times, they will flash yellow.”

According to Garrett, there is a lot of traffic and collisions in this section of I-465, so this might help.

“This is a way we can use technology and existing facilities to improve mobility and safety,” said Garrett.

A variable speed limit will also be implemented on this portion of I-465 as part of this project. These are electronic speed limit signs that have the ability to be slowed down as needed.

“The speed limit can be adjusted in 5 mph increments based on weather, crashes, and traffic incidents,” said Garrett.

In order to determine when the following automobile can merge, ramp metering uses sensors in both the ramp and the I-465 road. In a cycle of green lights, only one car may pass.

INDOT stated that it hopes to have these stop lights and sensors operational by the end of the year, despite the fact that they have already been placed.