District 11

Sept. 28, 2006

Contact: Public Information Officer Edward Cartagena Phone: (619) 688-6723 Cell (858) 688-1431

Meter Lights Activated next Wednesday on Two State Route 56 Ramps

SAN DIEGO – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin operation of the ramp meters at the Black Mountain Road and Camino Del Sur entrances to westbound State Route 56 on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The meters will be in operation on weekdays from 5:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Traffic congestion along southbound SR-56 during the morning commute period prompts the activation of the ramp meters. The new meters will allow two cars per green light to enter the freeway.

The San Diego County ramp metering system controls 281 entrance ramps onto area freeways, allowing traffic to enter at a rate dependent on its current traffic conditions. Motorists are often delayed at the meter, but freeway speeds and overall travel times are improved.

“Freeways without ramp meters congest quickly, and are more likely to have a higher frequency of accidents during times of traffic congestion,” said Caltrans Ramp Meter Operations Branch Chief Foroud Khadem. “During the morning and afternoon peaks, almost all of our freeways and major arterials are operating at capacity. Our goal is maximize the efficiency of the freeway system and to minimize the delay at our on-ramps.”

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