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