Project overview
We installed new overhead ramp meters at the Swift Avenue South, South Michigan Street/South Bailey Street and Northeast 50th Street on-ramps to northbound Interstate 5 in Seattle. The new ramp meters regulate both the general purpose lanes and the HOV lanes. They replaced existing ramp meters that did not regulate freeway access from the HOV lanes.
What to expect
Construction finished in late February 2024. Travelers should not expect additional travel delays for this project.
This project will add overhead ramp meters at the on-ramps from Swift Avenue South, South Michigan Street/South Bailey Street and Northeast 50th Street to northbound Interstate 5 in Seattle.
Improving traffic flow on Northbound I-5
Ramp meters help moderate congestion by creating gaps between vehicles merging onto the freeway. The overall goal for this project is to improve traffic flow on northbound I-5 and improve safety around these three on-ramps.
This project will:
- Replace existing ramp meters on three on-ramps to northbound I-5 that currently do not regulate access from the HOV lane.
- Install new sensors and meters in each location with separate signals for the HOV lane and general-purpose lane.
- Help reduce congestion and improving safety by spreading out traffic merging onto northbound I-5 from each on-ramp.