Most drivers believed that traffic conditions worsened when the Minneapolis-St. Paul ramp metering system was shut down and 80 percent supported reactivation.
Date Posted
04/19/2002
Identifier
2007-B00419
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Twin Cities Ramp Meter Evaluation

Summary Information

A Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) study revealed the impacts of shutting down an extensive ramp metering system on Minneapolis-St. Paul area freeways for a 6-week evaluation period. The study analyzed data collected from four test corridors chosen to represent typical freeway configurations and conditions across the region. The study collected a variety of data using several data collection techniques, including probe vehicles operated during peak periods, traffic volume counts from existing traffic detectors and temporary installations, crash statistics, and traveler surveys.

FINDINGS

Market research data collection results showed a number of changes in attitudes among area travelers that occurred once meters were shut down.
  • Most survey respondents believed that traffic conditions worsened.
  • Support for continued shutdown remained at 20 percent.