Beltline Highway ITS – Ramp Beltline Highway ITS – Ramp Metering Project Metering Project ODOT Planners Meeting April 25, 2012
Dec 10, 2015
Beltline Highway ITS – Beltline Highway ITS – Ramp Metering ProjectRamp Metering Project
ODOT Planners MeetingApril 25, 2012
Beltline ITS Project Beltline ITS Project BackgroundBackground
• Funded through HB2001: Jobs and Transportation ACT for $2 million
• Goal: Identify near-term, lower cost ITS treatments to help address existing traffic congestion and safety concerns along the Beltline and Delta Highways. – Ramp Metering– Variable Speed Limits– ITS Integration (VMS Signs, Other Opportunities)
• Schedule: Implement by Fall 2012
Study AreaStudy Area
• Examine Beltline Highway from Interstate 5 to Barger Interchange
Study Area ObjectivesStudy Area Objectives
• Determine feasibility of ramp metering
• Document simulated levels of impact to Beltline Highway (with & without ramp metering)
• Identify conceptual geometric improvements to facilitate ramp metering
• Estimate construction costs for the preferred metering strategy
Beltline Ramp Metering – System Beltline Ramp Metering – System Opportunities and ConstraintsOpportunities and Constraints
• Heaviest traffic volume between River Road and Delta Highway Focus for Metering
Beltline Highway 2008 Average Daily Traffic
Recommended Ramp Meter Recommended Ramp Meter LocationsLocations
2 lanes2 lanes
2 lanes
1 lane
Ramp Metering BenefitsRamp Metering Benefits
• Traffic Operations increased freeway capacity, speeds; reduced travel times and system delay
• Safety reduced side friction and increased gaps for merging
• Environmental reduction of stop and go freeway conditions reduces fuel consumption and air pollution
* Note ramp metering increases ramp delay & queuing
Ramp Metering ConcernsRamp Metering Concerns• Local System
– Beltline Operations vs. Local System Operations
• Alternate Routes– Had to meter both eastbound ramps to
avoid over use and possible impact to River Avenue
• Environmental– Increased delay & emissions on ramps
(offset by savings along freeway)
Westbound Westbound
Key Outcomes• Coburg Road On-Ramp and Green Acres Road
On-Ramp
• P.M. Peak Period: 3:00-6:45
• Travel Time Savings ~ 270 Vehicle Hours/Day
• Total Cost ~ $870,000
Eastbound Eastbound
Key Outcomes• River Avenue On-Ramp and River Road On-
Ramp
• A.M. Peak Period: 6:30-9:30
• Travel Time Savings ~ 90 Vehicle Hours/Day
• Total Cost ~ $790,000
Next StepsNext Steps
• Ramp Meters Installation Fall 2012
• Variable Speeds on Delta Highway (south of Beltline Highway)– Speeds reduced during peak periods– Safety benefit– Need additional funding– Need Enforcement