Submitted by WSDOT
Drivers can expect to move a little more smoothly along westbound State Route 512 in Parkland and Lakewood. The Washington State Department of Transportation is preparing to activate two new ramp meters to help manage the flow of vehicles merging onto the highway.
Ramp meters are highway on-ramp traffic signals that respond to real-time traffic conditions on highways. The system uses sensors to monitor the levels of highway traffic and will activate the ramp meters based on current conditions.
“Ramp meters are becoming more common because they are a cost-effective and proven way to help keep people moving,” said WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator Kevin Dayton. “They allow cars to merge onto the highway in a controlled way that lessens disruptions to traffic.”
The newly installed ramp meters are located at these locations:
- State Route 7 (Pacific Avenue) on-ramps to westbound SR 512
- Steele Street on-ramp to westbound SR 512
“It could take a bit for us to fine-tune the ramp meter operations,” said Freeway Operations Engineer Tony Leingang. “Especially for the first month or so, we’ll closely monitor traffic on the Pacific Avenue and Steele Street ramps and adjust meter rates accordingly. Our goal is to balance the needs of drivers merging onto the highway with the needs of drivers already there.”
WSDOT will activate the new meters as soon as Tuesday, August 16. The new ramp meters on westbound SR 512 join a series of Interstate 5 ramp meters previously activated between Lacey and Lakewood.
Using ramp meters
- Stop at the white line near the traffic signal.
- When the traffic signal turns green, proceed. Usually, one vehicle is allowed to proceed. Exceptions to that rule will be signed accordingly.
