Meters join third through lane, other mobility innovations to relieve bottleneck at I-5/I-90 interchange
SEATTLE – To manage the flow of traffic merging from Interstate 90 to northbound I-5, ramp meters will go live beginning Tuesday, Nov. 14. Meters will also regulate cars entering northbound I-5 from the Cherry Street on-ramp.
Ramp meters can help reduce the number of collisions, creating a safer driving environment for everyone on the roadway. Washington State Department of Transportation staff will monitor and adjust signal times for changing traffic conditions. Generally, they will be in use once the morning traffic starts to build and will turn off after the evening commute.
Ramp meters help control the flow of traffic entering a freeway by creating gaps between vehicles. Those gaps make the merge easier for drivers and help prevent sudden braking on I-5, which causes more delays and increases the risk of collisions.
Project milestones
While the ramp meters will not eliminate congestion, they represent another important milestone in a project designed to improve mobility on I-5 through downtown Seattle. Thanks to improved traffic flow and extra capacity from the third northbound I-5 through lane that opened in July, drivers on mainline I-5 should notice a smoother commute through the heart of downtown Seattle. Four new electronic message signs will provide travelers with more information.
Preserving a freeway
This project is one of many that make up Revive I-5, the state’s ongoing effort to preserve the interstate. Another Revive I-5 project is already underway a few miles away in south Seattle between the Duwamish River and Lucile Street.
For the latest construction closure information, visit the WSDOT real-time travel map, download the WSDOT traffic app or sign up for email updates.