Starting this week, commuters on the southeast side of Indianapolis will be greeted with new features on Interstate-465.
The biggest change will be new systems called ramp meters, designed to control the frequency of vehicles entering the roadway during peak travel times.
When the ramp meter is in use, the signal located on both sides of the ramp will cycle between red and green to tell motorists when to merge. One car will merge at a time. When the meter is not in use the signal will flash yellow, allowing motorists to merge as usual.
The Indiana Department of Transportation says the meter will be adaptive, increasing the signal rate to adjust for traffic conditions.
INDOT also announced a variable speed limit system (VSL) and dynamic message signs (DMSs) for I-465, claiming the additions will improve traffic flow and safety between I-65 and I-70.
The VSL system will consist of digital speed limit signs posted every half mile on both sides of I-465. Speed limits will go up or down by five miles per hour to match traffic conditions. And DMSs will be used in the corridor to give real-time alerts and information on road conditions, traffic situations and inclement weather.
INDOT says commuters can expect ramp meters to begin flashing yellow this week, with full operation starting May 6. Variable speed limits are expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.
Contact WFYI digital producer and reporter Zach Bundy at zbundy@wfyi.org.
