An I-35 ramp metering implementation project has begun that will include a series of public open houses and meetings.
As part of this effort to respond to congestion on I-35, especially during rush hours, KC Scout is holding meetings on both sides of the state line between now and Oct. 31, a spokesman said.
One of the public open houses will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Rosedale Middle School gymnasium, 3600 Springfield, Kansas City, Kan.
In addition, KC Scout is holding mobile meetings and an online town hall meeting on the topic. The online town hall meeting is going on every day through Oct. 31 at I35rampmeters.mysidewalk.com.
During the meetings, the public may review exhibits that show the project area and potential locations for ramp meters along I-35 in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. Representatives from KC Scout, KDOT, and the consultant team will be present to answer questions and discuss issues or concerns. No formal presentations will be given.
KC Scout and KDOT are developing the project with input from local governments. The planning phase began this summer and will conclude this fall with a list of ramp meter locations. Construction is anticipated to begin during the summer of 2016. The project is part of a broader vision to address congestion by adding ramp meters and other strategic road improvements along the entire I-35 corridor in the KC metro area.
The ramp meters are a cost-effective improvement strategy. They are anticipated to improve the on-ramp traffic that merges onto the freeway during busy, rush hour periods. They create gaps in on-ramp traffic that provide for smaller, more frequent groups of vehicles to enter the freeway during rush hours. The end results of the ramp meter installation project are as follows: smoother and less stressful freeway entries, minimized sudden weaving and braking, more consistent traffic flows, improved freeway speeds, decreased travel times, and reduced rear end and sideswipe crashes.
Ramp metering information is online at kcscout.net/rampmetering.