Carpool bypass lanes added to help traffic flow

If you recently caught a glimpse of a traffic signal with only two lights, and then did a double-take -- confirming that yes, indeed, there were only two lights -- chances are you just passed by one of the newly installed ramp metering devices located at seven U.S. 95 freeway entrance ramps, three of which are set to be activated on Tuesday, March 29.

This red and green light traffic signal regulates the flow of traffic in a timed, spaced manner, reducing accidents and traffic back-ups caused by merging.  The ramp meters will operate only when the freeway is congested, usually during morning and evening peak commute times. 

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will activate the ramp meters at the following freeway entrance ramps in northwest Las Vegas on U.S. 95 on March 29:  Cheyenne Avenue southbound entrance ramp; westbound Lake Mead Boulevard, southbound entrance ramp; and eastbound Lake Mead Boulevard, southbound entrance ramp. 

How do ramp meters work?

All metered ramps will have a sign at the entrance letting drivers know if the meters are turned on or not.  Using either lane, motorists pull up to the stop bar, which is a white line painted on the pavement adjacent to the ramp signal, and wait for the green light. The signal will change more rapidly than a signal at an intersection.  When the signal turns to green, proceed along the ramp and merge safely onto the freeway.  With any metered on-ramp system, there are two basic things to remember:  meters work like all traffic lights -- red means stop and green means go.  There is no yellow light.

Carpools, vehicles with two or more people, can use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) bypass lane

The Cheyenne Avenue and Lake Mead Boulevard entrance ramps also feature High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV), or carpool bypass lanes. The purpose of this special lane is to provide faster access for vehicles with two or more persons. This encourages ridesharing by providing a special benefit for those who carpool, vanpool, or ride the bus. The more people carpool, the fewer cars there are on the road and  the better it is for everyone.

 Ramp metering shows favorable results

Research shows that most freeway accidents occur during stop-and-go traffic conditions by inattentive drivers.  Ramp metering provides a smoother flow of traffic, helping to minimize the problem.  The installation and activation of ramp meters in other major U.S. cities has resulted in fewer back-ups and accidents. The following cities have seen a significant reduction in their accident rate:  Minneapolis, 24 percent; Seattle, 39 percent; Portland, 43 percent; and both Denver and Detroit, 50 percent. 

Ramp meter driving tips

Ramp meter traffic will not be allowed to back up beyond the ramp itself.  Sensors will increase the signal cycle to allow cars to enter the freeway at a faster rate.  Failing to stop at a ramp meter, when it is in operation, is a traffic violation similar to running a red light, and can result in a fine. 

Future plans include additional ramp meters

Additional ramp meters may be activated later this year along U.S. 95/ I- 515 at the following locations:  Fourth Street/Casino Center Boulevard northbound entrance ramp; Las Vegas Boulevard northbound entrance ramp; and Eastern Avenue northbound entrance ramp.  Future expansions to the ramp meter project may include I-15 and I-215.

Additional information and resources

Ramp meters are only one vital part of an overall transportation network.  These meters, along with traffic monitoring cameras and electronic traffic information signs will provide quick, useful travel information to commuters.  

NDOT’s Freeway Service Patrol teams are on-call to assist motorists.

For more information on ramp metering, call the RTC ramp meter hotline at (702) 385-RAMP (7267).  The message is available in English and Spanish; or visit www.rtcsouthernnevada.com.  Or you may contact Bob McKenzie, public information officer for NDOT, at (702) 385-6504.