What is the primary purpose of Ramp Meters?

The primary purpose of ramp meters is to control the rate of vehicles entering the expressway. Ramp meters are traffic signals located on the entrance ramps of highways that help manage the flow of traffic. By regulating the number of vehicles that can enter the highway at a given time, ramp meters help minimize congestion and improve traffic flow on the main roadway. This is crucial because uncontrolled merging can lead to backups and reduced safety. The controlled entry allows for a smoother integration of vehicles onto the expressway, which ultimately helps maintain higher speeds and reduces the likelihood of accidents. Efficient management of vehicle entry is particularly important during peak travel times when expressways are most susceptible to congestion.